Politics & Government
Cranford Is A Step Closer To Relief For Flood Victims
Officials expect FEMA Disaster Declaration in the next day.
Cranford residents who suffered devastating losses to their homes and property due to Hurricane Irene may soon get some assistance as Union County moves a little closer to being added to the list of New Jersey counties declared eligible for FEMA disaster relief.
Although Union County - and Cranford, in particular - was hit hard when the weekend hurricane barreled through the Northeast, FEMA has yet to issue a Federal Disaster Declaration. If designated, municipalities that sustained damage by Hurricane Irene will become eligible for disaster funds including grants for those who experienced flood damage. Mayor Dan Aschenbach said he is working to ensure that Cranford becomes eligible for FEMA funding.
"I wanted to assure residents that we are doing everything to get Cranford designated for FEMA programs," Aschenbach said Friday afternoon. Funding through FEMA cannot be obtained by a municipalities until a Federal Disaster Declaration is issued by the agency.
Find out what's happening in Cranfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Making such a declaration begins after the governor submits an official disaster request to FEMA, inclding the estimated cost of damages sustained by the storm. The process takes several days and involves teams of FEMA engineers who must assess damage to homes, roads, bridges and other structures. The Cranford mayor said that part of the process is already complete.
"FEMA officials have been here to do their assessment. Sen. Frank Lautenberg and Congressman Leonard Lance, who were here and saw the disaster, have urged residents to make an application (for funding through FEMA). Those with flood insurance are required to use that first. Those who do not have insurance should start application process," Aschenbach said.
Find out what's happening in Cranfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
To apply for assistance through FEMA, residents can go to http://www.disasterassistance.gov/
According to Aschenbach, Lance expects the Federal Disaster Declaration to be done within next day.
"All our county,state and federal representatives have been great advocating for Cranford," Aschenbach added.
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