President Biden declares New Jersey a disaster zone following severe storms

In a decisive move following the devastating storms and flooding from July 14-15, 2023, US President Joe Biden has officially designated New Jersey as a disaster zone. This pivotal declaration paves the way for critical Federal assistance, further boosting local and state recovery initiatives in the storm-ravaged regions.

Warren County, one of the hardest-hit areas, is set to receive federal funds. These funds aim to support eligible local governments, state agencies, and select private nonprofit organizations, sharing the cost of emergency operations. This assistance encompasses both the repair of existing infrastructure and the replacement of facilities damaged in the wake of the storm.

But the assistance doesn’t stop at immediate recovery. In an effort to prevent future disasters, the state of New Jersey is also receiving federal funds for hazard mitigation measures, applicable statewide.

Overseeing these recovery operations and ensuring a coordinated approach, Robert Little III, a representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has been appointed. While the current designations are based on preliminary damage assessments, there’s an open avenue for additional federal support. Depending on further damage evaluations and if the state deems it necessary, more regions in New Jersey could be earmarked for additional assistance in the near future.