Christie requests federal assistance for Salem, Gloucester, Cumberland counties

In his letter declaring a major disaster, N.J. Gov. Chris Christie is specifically seeking federal assistance to clean up the flood damage to Salem, Gloucester and Cumberland counties. Other counties or municipalities could be added later, pending further state assessment.

“Based on the information and data available, it is evident that the disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected local governments and that federal assistance is necessary,” reads the guv’s statement from Monday.

These three counties, and 14 others, were also part of Christie’s request for recovery efforts stemming from the damages incurred during the 2011 growing season. For that help, Christie reached out to the secretary of agriculture.

Pending federal approval, relief for the recent flood damage can come in the form of infrastructure, public property repairs, hazard mitigation or grants/loans for residents.