Gov. Murphy highlights investments in resilient communities on one year anniversary of Tropical Storm Ida

NEW JERSEY – One year after Tropical Storm Ida struck New Jersey, claiming 30 lives and damaging homes and businesses across the state, Governor Phil Murphy highlighted state investments toward building resilient local communities.

In addition to the more than $650 million devoted to expansive response and recovery efforts to date, the Administration is supporting recently established Ida recovery funding programs with $283 million. Governor Murphy also announced the launch of disasterhelp.nj.gov, a new one-stop website to navigate federal and state recovery resources available in the aftermath of a storm.

“As we remember the tragic storm that touched down in our state one year ago, we not only lament what we lost that day, but reflect upon what we have gained since then in terms of knowledge, resources, and a renewed focus on the urgency of the climate crisis,” Murphy said. “Hillsborough – like so many other resilient communities that bounced back after Ida – is a quintessential example of what we as New Jerseyans can achieve for our residents, homes, and businesses when we build back smarter. Through intentional investments and the development of a user-friendly resource directory, we’re ensuring that disaster recovery is more efficient and long-lasting for residents and business owners alike.”

Through its comprehensive short-term recovery approach, the Murphy Administration distributed state and federal funding for the following programs:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Household & Individual Assistance: More than $250 million
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: More than $250 million
• FEMA Public Assistance through New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to State and Local Governments: More than $56 million
• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Buyout Program: $50 million
• DEP Elevation Program: $30 million
• New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Small Business Grants: $10.5 million
• DEP community stormwater assistance grants: $10 million

Additionally, the Murphy Administration’s long-term recovery responses entail both the $283 million HUD Recovery Plan and applying for billions of federal dollars available through FEMA’s competitive hazard mitigation funding programs, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA). Complementing these significant investments toward short- and long-term recovery efforts is the rollout of disasterhelp.nj.gov, which will provide New Jersey residents, small businesses, local governments, and non-profit organizations with a directory of resources to prepare for and recover from disasters. A “Create your Disaster Recovery Plan” interactive tool on the homepage will help end users locate programs that meet their individual needs.

“One year later, we’re still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ida,” said U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski. “But we’re also becoming more resilient, with billions of new federal dollars to help impacted residents and business owners, an infrastructure bill that is delivering support to flood control projects, and now the biggest national investment ever in fighting climate change. I will keep working to bring these resources home to New Jersey.”

“We understand that help can’t come soon enough for people and communities affected by Hurricane Ida, which is why DCA is working through the federal process as quickly as possible so we can begin assisting people,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Deputy Commissioner Sam Viavattine. “With the leadership of Lt. Governor Oliver and the commitment of the staff at DCA, I’m confident we are on the road to a fair and equitable recovery that will lead to a more resilient New Jersey.”

“Although a year has passed, FEMA remains committed to supporting the state of New Jersey through Ida recovery and helping the state become more resilient against the damage of future storms,” said FEMA Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “We know that disasters impact individuals and communities differently and FEMA’s BRIC and FMA programs are just two ways to help communities fund hazard mitigation activities equitably.”