New Jersey Office of Emergency Management officials announced today that New Jersey is eligible for over $1.4 million in FEMA Public Assistance funds as a result of Tropical Storm Irene. The reimbursement covers response activities and emergency protective measures undertaken by the NJ Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs leading up to and immediately following Tropical Storm Irene. Additional project approvals are expected to address Irene-related expenditures by other NJ State Departments.

“Irene has proven to be the costliest natural disaster in New Jersey’s history,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, State Police Superintendent and Director of the NJ Office of Emergency Management. We are continuing to work with our federal partners to seek additional reimbursements for eligible expenses incurred by all New Jersey State Departments which played a role in the Irene response.”

Eligible Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs expenses to be reimbursed by FEMA include health and safety checks, security, evacuation assistance, search and rescue operations, transport relief services, and assistance with mass care operations. The FEMA Public Assistance Program also accounts for equipment used during the operation, such as vehicles, generators and aviation assets.

Tropical Storm Irene struck New Jersey on August 27, resulting in a Presidential Disaster Declaration on August 31. More than 4,500 local government expense project reimbursements were submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the NJ Office of Emergency Management. To date, the two areas of expenses designated to receive the most funding from Irene are emergency protective measures and debris removal.

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management works with FEMA, providing technical assistance to applicants. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approves the reimbursement of local government expenses, which provide at least 75 percent of the eligible costs of repair and replacement to those who qualify. The State of New Jersey is accountable for use of the funds and is responsible for disbursing the funds.

For detailed information regarding FEMA’s Public Assistance Program:

http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm

NJ Tropical Storm Irene: http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=15536

For information concerning Irene Public Assistance Applicants, and funds disbursed, visit the NJOEM website: www.ready.nj.gov and click on “Disaster Public Assistance”.