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Christie Administration Announces $10 Million In Disaster Assistance Funds Disbursed To Local New Jersey CommunitiesTRENTON N.J. – Four months after Tropical Storm Irene struck New Jersey, Christie Administration officials announced today that over $10 million in disaster assistance has been disbursed to municipalities, counties, and other public agencies and eligible private non-profit organizations for storm-related expenses. That is in addition to more than $166 million in federal assistance to individuals and households impacted by the severe weather that devastated New Jersey communities. The $10 million represents dollars to cover local government expenses assistance from Tropical Storm Irene and severe storms and flooding that struck New Jersey in mid-August. "New Jersey’s long-term recovery from Tropical Storm Irene and other natural disasters continues with steady progress," Christie said. "The reimbursements to local governments for emergency response activities, debris clearance and other protective measures are enhancing fiscal recovery in these communities. State Emergency Management and Treasury officials worked to accelerate these payments so that they were made before the end of the end of the municipal budget year, to benefit local property taxpayers." Tropical Storm Irene struck New Jersey on August 27, resulting in a Presidential Disaster Declaration on August 31. More than 4,500 local government expenses project reimbursements were submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the NJ Office of Emergency Management. To date, the two areas of expenses designated to receive the most funding from Irene are emergency protective measures and debris removal. During the weekend of August 13-15, severe storms and flooding struck Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties, resulting in a Presidential Disaster Declaration on September 15. Additional areas of expenses that are slated to receive funds include permanent work projects, such as road and bridge repair; water control facilities and utilities restoration; repair or replacement of public buildings and equipment, and restoration or repair of parks and other recreational facilities. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management works with FEMA, providing technical assistance to applicants. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approves the reimbursement of local government expenses, which provide at least 75 percent of the eligible costs of repair and replacement to those who qualify. The State of New Jersey is accountable for use of the funds and is responsible for disbursing the funds. Funds to 49,108 individuals and households, totaling over $166.5 million, have been approved by FEMA under the Presidential Disaster Declaration r eceived for Tropical Storm Irene. The Small Business Administration has approved over $104 million in low-interest loans to 2,722 homeowners and business impacted by the Irene. For detailed information regarding FEMA’s Public Assistance Program:
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