FEMA Reimbursement for October Snowstorm

New Milford has filed to be reimbursed for more than $128,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for costs associated with the surprise snowstorm that ravaged the northeast on October 29.

FEMA announced in November that New Jersey would be eligible for federal disaster aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the severe snowstorm that downed many trees and left most of New Milford without power for days.

FEMA estimated the cost of damage and recovery efforts between $4.5 million and $5.6 million in Bergen County alone. 

According to Chief Frank Papapietro, who also serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator, except for DPW disposal and hauling, all reimbursable expenses (such as overtime) are limited to Oct. 29.

To see how reimbursable expenses are factored by FEMA, click here.

During the snowstorm, New Milford's expenses totaled $171,993.87. Here is a detailed breakdown of those expenses: 

• Police Dpt. OT: $4909.62
• Police Dpt. Equipment: $2015
• DPW OT: $28,583.65
• Equipment*: $86,720.60
• Material: $920
• Contracts (disposal): $34,620
• Rental Equipment (tub grinder): $14,225

*To see FEMA's equipment rates when considering a town's reimbursable expenses, click here. 

New Milford will receive $128,995.40, which represents 75 percent of total reimbursable costs associated with the storm.

The editor would like to acknowledge Mary Ann Perrone and Colleen Naumov for their assistance in helping Chief Papapietro collect, coordinate and disseminate all the necessary records required by FEMA for both Hurricane Irene and the October snowstorm.