Obama Declares New Jersey a Major Disaster Area from Hurricane Irene

President Barack Obama declared New Jersey a major disaster area this afternoon, because of the regions affected by this past weekend’s Hurricane Irene, according to U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-8th District) Both New York and North Carolina garnered the same designation earlier today.

The designation came on the heels of an announcement that the president will visit Paterson Sunday to personally view the devastation caused by the storm.

The decision to declare the disaster area, which will allow individual and public assistance from the government, came after the president was lobbied by letters from Pascrell, Gov. Chris Christie and a bipartisan delegation.  

Pascrell was informed of the news while touring storm damage with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency official Craig Fugate.

“Hundreds of thousands of New Jersey families and business owners have endured incredible losses and stress during the last several days,’’ Pascrell said, “Municipalities all over the state are operating beyond their budget in order to rebuild communities and continue basic municipal services.  I am relieved that New Jersey residents and businesses will have an opportunity to be compensated by the federal government and I will ensure that FEMA is adequately responsive to my constituents.”

The Jersey shore was particularly hard-hit by the storm and North Jersey received at least nine inches of rain. Some communities, including Fairfield and Paterson, are still experiencing flooding and residents have evacuated to area shelters.