$7.2 Million Available For Dam Repairs, Municipal Aid

(TRENTON) – Governor James E. McGreevey today announced that the Joint Budget Oversight Committee approved his request for $7.2 million in immediate flood relief for Burlington and Camden counties.

“We want to ensure that municipalities have the resources they need now, so they can get a jump on the long rebuilding process ahead,” said Governor James E. McGreevey. “The state is doing all that it can to help in the recovery and assist victims in returning to life as they knew it before the floods wreaked havoc on their communities.”

The Governor on July 13 declared a State of Emergency for Burlington and Camden counties after a severe storm delivered 13 inches of rain over a 12-hour period and caused significant flooding throughout the area.

In addition to requesting federal assistance, Governor McGreevey requested that the state Joint Budget Committee free up $7.2 million for flood relief.

The Committee approved the request this morning, transferring $2.2 million to the Department of Environmental Protection for emergency repairs to municipal dams and $5 million to the Department of Community Affairs to assist municipalities in meeting their required match for federal funds.

Governor McGreevey committed the $5 million in municipal funding last week; he requested the emergency dam funding after meeting with local officials.  The dam funding applies to municipally owned dams only.

The Governor also announced this weekend that the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved New Jersey’s request for federal assistance. In addition, President Bush declared Burlington and Camden major disaster areas.

These declarations will allow flood victims and municipalities to apply for financial aid in cleaning up debris, restoring public property, providing emergency services, repairing utility infrastructure and repairing dams and roadways. The declarations also include funding for mitigation projects to prevent repetitive losses for Burlington County.

To apply for federal emergency aid and assistance, flood victims may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Callers should be prepared to provide their Social Security number, a description of their losses, financial information and directions to the damaged property.