Flood victims can get aid in 3 more N.J. counties

TRENTON - The Bush administration has approved emergency disaster aid for individuals in three more New Jersey counties hit by flooding from the April 15 nor'easter.

Storm victims in Mercer, Middlesex and Morris Counties can apply for as much as $28,200 in disaster-relief grants and $240,000 in low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, said Barbara Lynch, a spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Friday's announcement came one day after aid was approved for residents of Bergen, Burlington, Essex, Passaic, Somerset and Union Counties.

Acting Gov. Richard Codey had said New Jersey incurred $180 million in damage to public and private property. He and the state's congressional delegation have asked President Bush to declare all of New Jersey a disaster area.

The aid approval authorizes federal assistance for homeowners and renters for temporary housing costs, home repair, transportation, medical treatment, storage, and other necessary assistance.

Low-interest SBA loans will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

FEMA planned to set up disaster recovery centers in the counties starting today.