TRENTON, N.J. – Following Tropical Storm Ida, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes wants county residents and business owners to report damages sustained from storm last week via state portal. 
Hughes is urging those impacted to report their damages at www.nj.gov/ida, which is the State of New Jersey’s data collection portal.
Mr. Hughes said that registering damage on the state portal will help FEMA evaluate the county for potential assistance. The portal will record basic information including name, location, damages and cost, and need from impacted residents and businesses.
“FEMA is still performing its assessment with county and state guidance, and it’s premature to say Mercer will be excluded from the Major Disaster Declaration,” Mr. Hughes said.
“Our Office of Emergency Management staff toured the county with FEMA representatives to survey the damage, and it certainly was extensive in a number of our communities.”
County properties that sustained storm damage include the Park Commission’s Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County Park, golf courses and trail systems; County roadways and eight bridges and culverts, Mr. Hughes said.
Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in Mercer County are eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration. For information, visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.
Residents in need of assistance with damage from Tropical Storm Ida may call a Home Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386 and speak to volunteers from local relief organizations and community groups that may be able to assist with cutting fallen trees, removing drywall, flooring, and appliances, tarping roofs, and mitigating mold. The hotline will remain open through Sept. 17.
Also, note that Mercer County has now been added to the list of New Jersey counties to receive disaster relief from FEMA.