Governor Chris Christie recently announced that the federal government has approved the State’s request for disaster assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Irene in all 21 counties. Individual and public assistance were approved for Burlington, Hudson, Ocean and Union Counties, and individual assistance was approved for Mercer County; following the public assistance eligibility recently granted. Every New Jersey County has now been approved for both individual and public assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). New Jersey residents and small businesses in all 21 counties are now eligible to apply for different types of federal assistance, including temporary housing, repair, replacement or other needs such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and Small Business Administration disaster loans. Public assistance eligibility for all 21 counties allows State, eligible local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations to apply for federal funding on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene. Individuals and businesses in every New Jersey County who suffered damage should apply for disaster assistance with FEMA – even if they have insurance or aren’t sure they are eligible. You can contact FEMA by phone at 1.800.621.FEMA (3362) or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.