Monday, September 26, 2011

FEMA Aid Deadline for Local Governments Looming

Long Branch, N.J. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. Friday urged towns and local governments, to submit their application for FEMA Public Assistance if they haven’t already done so. Certain private nonprofit organizations may also receive assistance. The deadline for towns to submit an application for assistance is Friday, September 30, 2011.

“The money is ready and available for towns to put to work on repairs for damage caused by the hurricane, it would be a shame for this assistance to go unused because someone didn’t know about it,” said Pallone.

Projects eligible for assistance may fall under one of the following categories and include debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, water control facilities, public building and utilities and parks.

Last week, FEMA conducted a round of briefings across the state which informed prospective applicants of available assistance and eligibility requirements for obtaining Federal assistance as a result of damage from Hurricane Irene. Pallone’s staff was also present at some of the briefings to assist constituents.

In the days since Hurricane Irene caused significant damage, FEMA has opened 21 disaster recovery centers, provided $76,852,437 in housing assistance and completed 35,416 out of 41,354 house inspection requests.

Individuals who seek federal assistance can register with FEMA through one of the following, going to www.disasterassistance.gov, to m.fema.gov or calling FEMA toll-free, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.

Federal assistance became available after the president issued a major disaster declaration on Aug. 31. Assistance is provided for eligible damage from the Hurricane Irene and related flooding, Aug. 27 through Sept. 5, 2011.

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