Pallone Announces Extension of Deadline for Sandy Victims to Complete Mitigation Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2018


Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for Sandy victims to complete mitigation projects using Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) funding by 3 years. Last month, Pallone and members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation asked FEMA Administrator William “Brock” Long to extend the deadline.

ICC provides up to $30,000 towards the significant cost of elevating, moving, or otherwise flood-proofing homes in order to come into compliance with local floodplain management laws and ordinances. As a result of delays in recovery for some Sandy survivors, many homeowners have found themselves unable to complete projects, and were at risk of losing the ability to access their ICC funds by the previous October 29, 2018 deadline.

“I am glad that FEMA heeded the call to extend the deadline three years. It is the right and moral decision. Homeowners still struggling to rebuild from the devastation of Sandy should not be forced to meet an arbitrary deadline,” said Congressman Pallone. “The combination of flood insurance payouts being delayed and the failures of the past state administration in its recovery program has prevented many New Jerseyans from rebuilding. These residents paid premiums to receive coverage and they should not be cut off from receiving this badly needed assistance.”

April 1 Extension for Sandy Disaster Assistance Registration

New Jersey residents impacted by Superstorm Sandy now have until April 1, 2013 to register for individual disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The deadline extension applies for homeowner, renter, and business registration with the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Disaster Loan Assistance, another important step in the disaster relief process to ensure survivors obtain all relief they are eligible for.

It is crucial that individuals register with FEMA and that businesses and individuals complete the SBA loan application so State officials can continue to compile an accurate, comprehensive picture of the damage and the need for additional disaster recovery assistance. Moreover, for businesses, an SBA Disaster Loan represents the best opportunity for disaster assistance. There is no obligation to accept an SBA disaster home loan even after applying, but homeowners and renters may become eligible for additional assistance in the future.

Of note, apart from the April 1 SBA Disaster Loan deadline for property damage, businesses also have until July 31 to apply for SBA economic injury disaster loans. All homeowners, renters, and businesses are encouraged to register with FEMA and SBA to ensure eligibility for future forms of aid.

People with storm losses in all counties can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov and via smart phone or tablet here. Survivors also can register by phone or 711/VRS by calling 800-621-3362, TTY800-462-7585.