N.J. Gov. Requests Presidential Declaration, Federal Flood Relief

New Jersey Acting Governor Richard Codey has sent a letter to President Bush, asking that he declare a major disaster for the State of New Jersey (all counties) and provide federal funds to assist property owners, businesses and governmental agencies that incurred costs and damages as a result of prolonged, torrential rain and flooding during the week of Oct. 7-14.

“The severe damage from these prolonged, torrential rains affected countless homeowners and businesses,” Codey said. “The State of New Jersey is doing everything possible to help these individuals and communities recover. But, we need the federal government’s help as well.”

On Friday, Oct. 14, Codey declared an official State of Emergency for all of New Jersey and directed state officials to implement the State Emergency Management Plan and county and municipal officials to implement their emergency plans as necessary.

A letter requesting federal disaster relief could not be sent until the state had completed preliminary damage assessments. Codey’s letter emphasizes that the storm’s estimated costs are expected to grow as assessments continue and repairs and restorations begin.

A joint New Jersey and FEMA preliminary damage assessment is currently being conducted and the state expects to send the President a more detailed letter in this next week with specific assessments by municipality and county.