FEMA Funds Approved For Nor'easter Damage In Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY — A federal Major Disaster Declaration has been approved for the northern part of New Jersey following the series of March nor'easters caused millions of dollars of damages.

The declaration makes Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic and Somerset counties eligible for federal reimbursements for storm-related expenses. The storm dropped 27 inches of snow across the state during the first week of March, causing nearly $20 million in damages and knocking out power to whole towns.

“Alleviating the suffering and damage which resulted from the dangerous weather conditions during the March nor’easter is a crucial step towards recovery,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I thank the federal government for approving this request to ensure New Jersey receives the assistance it needs to fully recover from the storm.”

Thousands of Morris County residents remained without power through two snow storms, with some in the dark for as long as ten days. Many of the power outages were due to downed trees taking power lines down with them. Restoration efforts were complicated by blocked roadways, high winds, and unrelenting snow.

“Although summer is less than two weeks away, there are parts of our State still recovering from the disastrous effects of the winter storm from three months ago,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will continue to coordinate the recovery effort with our local, county and federal partners in the affected counties.”

The federal declaration also provides funding for hazard mitigation projects to lessen the effects of future storms.

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