Donald M. Payne Jr. for Congressman: Gets District $80 Million in Tropical Storm Ida Assistance

Media Contact:  Patrick Wright   --  Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. secured more than $80 million for Essex, Hudson and Union counties in federal aid during the last two months to help residents recover from flood damage after Tropical Storm Ida.  After the storm flooded homes and businesses in September, Rep. Payne, Jr. worked with federal and state officials to get the three counties added to President Biden’s disaster declaration and make them eligible for federal assistance.  When Rep. Payne, Jr.’s efforts were successful, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided the funding to the district counties to help residents recover and make homes livable again. 

“I applaud the Biden Administration for their immediate efforts to help my constituents deal with flooding issues after Tropical Storm Ida,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “When I spoke with residents and toured the district after the floods, I knew it was going to cost millions of dollars to clean and repair our communities.  I was surprised that Essex, Hudson and Union counties were not included in the original declaration list and worked successfully with officials to make sure they were included.  This funding has been used to save homes and businesses across the district that would have been destroyed without it.”       

Rep. Payne, Jr. took several actions to help residents after Tropical Storm Ida.  Rep. Payne, Jr. toured flooded areas of the district and spoke with officials at the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) repeatedly to get government disaster funding and resources to the district.  The Congressman co-led letters to support New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s disaster declaration request to President Biden and ask for emergency funding from Congress to help New Jersey recover from the storms. 

For residents who have suffered flood damage and want to request federal assistance, please visit the New Jersey Tropical Storm Ida Resources page here or visit https://nj.gov/ida. 

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