Nearly $104 million went to housing and other needs, while $12 million went to low-interest disaster loans
TRENTON — More than 54,000 residents across New Jersey struggling to recover from Hurricane Irene have shared in $116 million in federal disaster aid, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno announced today.
Topping the $100 million milestone comes less than 30 days after President Obama issued federal disaster declarations for all of New Jersey’s 21 counties, Guadagno said.
Of the $116 million, nearly $104 million went to housing and other needs. In addition, the Small Business Administration has approved nearly $12 million in low-interest disaster loans, primarily to homeowners and renters as well as businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations, Guadagno said.
"State and federal emergency management officials have been working tirelessly to deliver aid to the families of our state who have been impacted by Hurricane Irene," Guadagno said in a written statement.
She made the announcement as she toured the homes of Madelyn Novello and Marcio and Teresa Mescia, who live in Howell and received federal assistance in the wake of the devastating hurricane.
Guadagno was joined by William Vogel, the federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Lt. Paul Miller, state coordinating officer for the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
There are 34 days remaining until the Oct. 31 deadline for New Jersey residents to register for relief with FEMA, There are three ways to register — online at www.disasterassistance.gov or m.fema.gov, or call FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-3261 (FEMA), or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585; or, use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.