Release Date: October 28, 2004
Release Number: 1563-009
» More Information on New Jersey Tropical Depression Ivan
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. -- The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Harmony Volunteer Fire Company facility at 440 Brainards Road in Harmony will close permanently at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 4th, state and federal recovery officials announced today.
This Center has served as a “one-stop shop” for Warren County residents who have met with representatives from a number of local, state and federal agencies. “To date, more than 125 residents have visited this Center, and we are encouraging others to come before we close to complete and file their SBA loan applications or to meet with local, state and federal officials to have their questions answered or their cases updated,” said Captain Karl E. Kleeberg, state coordinating officer, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.
“Returning the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications is far more important than many may think,” said Peter Martinasco, federal coordinating officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “All further federal and state disaster assistance will terminate if you fail to complete and return those applications either at the DRC or in the mail.”
On October 1, 2004, President Bush declared a major disaster for New Jersey, opening the way for the use of federal disaster funds to help people and communities recover from the effects of Tropical Depression Ivan.
Residents and business owners in Hunterdon, Mercer, Sussex and Warren counties with damages from the storm are still eligible to apply for federal and state aid and are encouraged to do so by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 10800-462-7585 or by registering online at www.fema.gov. The toll-free telephone numbers and the website are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. If possible, try calling in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on weekends when call volume often is lighter.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became a part of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U. S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Oct-2004 16:53:23