FEMA Approves Major Disaster Declaration For Mercer County

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — FEMA has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Mercer County, Executive Brian M. Hughes announced Friday. Mercer County was initially left out of the FEMA aid list even though many towns suffered considerable damage due to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Ida.

Other counties added to the list include Essex, Hudson, and Union.

County residents who were impacted by the storm last week can now apply for direct assistance for Ida-related recovery.

The announcement comes after the state Office of Emergency Management and FEMA were out in Mercer County to conduct preliminary damage assessments on Tuesday.

“I greatly appreciate FEMA’s response to the situation here in Mercer County, where residents in some of our communities are in dire need of assistance,” Hughes said in a statement.

“And I thank the Biden Administration, Senators Booker, and Menendez, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Governor Phil Murphy, as well as our county Office of Emergency Management, for their help in getting Mercer much-needed federal aid and accelerating our recovery process. I also thank our residents for their patience and perseverance during this difficult time.”

Hughes urged those who were impacted by last week’s storm to register for assistance. This includes home repairs, temporary housing, low-cost loans, and other programs.

Read More Here: FEMA Conducts Preliminary Ida Damage Assessment In Mercer County

Sen. Bob Menendez thanked President Joe Biden for approving the Major Disaster Declaration for these additional counties. “With this declaration, Essex, Hudson, Mercer and Union counties now have access to greater federal assistance and resources to help residents, families, and businesses rebuild and get back on their feet," Menendez said in a statement.

"There is still more work to be done and I look forward to going back to Washington next week to fight for additional federal resources to help our state and region.”

Sen. Cory Booker said the amended disaster declaration will allow more communities to get the critical federal assistance they need for relief efforts.

"I was proud to work alongside Senator Menendez and the rest of the New Jersey delegation to get this vital aid for our state and am grateful to President Biden for his decisive response to this crisis,” Booker said.

Those with homeowners or renters' insurance need to file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance, but those who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for federal assistance, county officials said.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App.

Residents can also call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) for help. The toll-free lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Here’s the information residents need to keep handy while applying for assistance:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Social Security number
• A general list of damage and losses
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans are also available for homeowners, renters, businesses, and most nonprofits. Just like FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture, and most nonprofits, up to $2 million is available for working capital needs even if there was no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.

Up to $200,000 is available to homeowners for repair or to replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters, up to $40,000 is available to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents can apply here: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. For information and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Additionally, Mercer County residents can call a Home Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations and community groups to assist with cutting fallen trees, removing drywall, flooring, and appliances, tarping roofs, and mitigating mold. The hotline will remain open through Sept. 17.

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