Residents and Businessowners in Six FEMA-Approved Counties Can Register for Individual Direct Assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov

State Launches Additional Data Collection Portal at www.nj.gov/ida for Individuals in Counties Where FEMA is Still Evaluating Financial Assistance

September 6, 2021

LAMBERTVILLE, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy today announced that FEMA has approved a Major Disaster Declaration in Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic, and Somerset counties. The declaration will allow individuals in the six approved counties to register at www.disasterassistance.gov for direct assistance for Ida-related recovery, which may include home repairs, temporary housing, low-cost loans, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the tropical storm.

Governor Murphy today also announced that the state has launched a data collection portal to gather data from impacted individuals outside of the six counties where FEMA has declared the Major Disaster Declaration. FEMA and the State continue to evaluate damage in other counties and the state portal will ensure that all Ida damages across all counties in the State are evaluated for potential FEMA assistance. The state portal will record basic information including name, location, damages and cost, and need from impacted residents and businesses. It is accessible at nj.gov/ida and damagenj-njoem.hub.arcgis.com

“Many residents of our state are facing a long road ahead as they recover from Ida,” said Governor Murphy. “I am very grateful to the Biden Administration and FEMA for their swift approval of the Major Disaster Declaration for six of our counties. I urge residents and businessowners in those counties to visit FEMA’s website and begin the application process. We also urge residents outside of the six counties to register their information at nj.gov/ida so that we can be ready to get dollars into the hands of additional New Jerseyans as soon as we are able.”

“I applaud the extraordinary efforts of FEMA for their continued support to the residents of New Jersey that are recovering from Tropical Storm Ida,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This Major Disaster Declaration and data collection portal will expedite the recovery process and aid us in our effort to become a more resilient state as we build our communities back.”

The Governor made the announcement during a visit to Lambertville, a Delaware River community in Hunterdon County where many individuals faced severe storm impacts.

LAMBERTVILLE – Governor Phil Murphy today provided an update on preliminary fatalities and New Jerseyans who have been reported missing as a result of Tropical Storm Ida.   

“Currently, we have no additional fatalities to report,” said Governor Murphy. “Our thoughts and prayers are with every family and community mourning a loved one and of those who remain missing.”   

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News