Major Disaster Declaration Approved In Bergen County After Ida

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a major disaster declaration for six New Jersey counties, including Bergen, Gov. Phil Murphy announced.

The declaration comes after 27 people died as a result of Tropical Storm Ida, including one in Bergen County.

This allows residents to register online for direct assistance for Ida-related recovery, which may include home repairs, temporary housing, low-cost loans, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the tropical storm.

Murphy also announced that the state has launched a data collection portal to gather data from impacted individuals outside the six counties where FEMA has declared the major disaster declaration, as FEMA and state officials continue to evaluate on the ground.

"Many residents of our state are facing a long road ahead as they recover from Ida," said Murphy.

"I am very grateful to the Biden Administration and FEMA for their swift approval of the Major Disaster Declaration for six of our counties. I urge residents and businessowners in those counties to visit FEMA’s website and begin the application process."

President Joe Biden is set to arrive in New Jersey on Tuesday morning, where he will meet with Murphy and local leaders in Hillsborough, where he will arrive at the Central Jersey Airport, and then in Manville, where he will survey the damage left by Ida.

Murphy visited Lodi on Monday to survey the damage, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer was in Hackensack over the long weekend doing the same.

"Our hearts go out to every single Jersey resident and local business affected by Hurricane Ida, especially those families who lost loved ones," said Gottheimer.

"With FEMA’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration, residents and business owners in Passaic and Bergen Counties can now begin the federal disaster assistance application process, which will help them access critical resources and emergency financial aid as they work to recover."

Despite the aid for six counties, some of the hardest hit, like Essex County, are on the outside looking in.

Murphy, as well as Rep. Mikie Sherrill say they're working to fix that.

"My team and I have been on the phone with FEMA and local officials advocating for needed relief for our towns," said Sherrill.

"I stand with Gov. Murphy and counties like Essex asking that a major disaster declaration be issued for those counties who have been hit hardest."

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