Important Resources for Recovery & Rebuilding
Hurricane Sandy Recovery Resources and Information
Member Alert #8 - Christie Administration Proposes Plan for Allocating $1.8 Billion in Sandy Recovery Grants
BoatUS News: Open for Business: Cruising Guide Seeks Superstorm Sandy Region Marina Updates
Boat US: Learning From Sandy Webinars
Webinar 1 - Sandy Overview: What we've learned: Recording - PDF Slide Show
Webinar 2 - Securing Boats on Land: Lessons Learned: Recording - PDF Slide Show
Webinar 3 - Securing Boats in the Water: Lessons Learned: Recording - PDF Slide Show
Grants Now Available for Storm-Impacted Businesses
Businesses can now apply for Superstorm Sandy recovery grants of up to $50,000 at the website of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Small businesses and nonprofits struck by the storm are eligible for the grants that can be used toward working capital or new construction.
Click here to go directly to the application.
Click here to be put on the NJEDA's "notification list" for more information on Sandy assistance programs.
If you have questions regarding the Stronger NJ Business Grant Program or application process, contact the NJEDA Office of Recovery at 1-855-SANDY-BZ or StrongerNJBusines@njeda.com.
Grant Program Overview:
- Small businesses and non-profits may apply for grants and forgivable loans of up to $50,000. Businesses with multiple locations in New Jersey may receive more than one grant, totaling no more than $250,000.
- The entity must be considered a "small business" as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and have more than $25,000 but less than $5 million in gross operating revenues.
- Applicants must show each location sustained at least $5,000 in damages.
- Grants are eligible for working capital (operating expenses), inventory, equipment, machinery, fixtures, furnishings and construction.
- Priority will be given to applicants located in the nine most impacted counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union.
- Grants will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The $260 million Stronger New Jersey Business Grant Program is one of the initiatives approved by the NJEDA yesterday. It also approved $25 million to fund a tourism marketing campaign to assist Superstorm Sandy-impacted communities and promote the state's tourism assets; and $12 million for securing a firm to operate the grant program under the supervision of the Office of Recovery.
The grant program is part of the state's $1.8 billion plan to spend federal Community Development Block Grant disaster assistance funds. The plan was approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development earlier this week, and the EDA approved the first initiatives of that program at a special board meeting yesterday.
Christie Administration Gears Up for a Busy Recreational Fishing & Boating Season along the Jersey Shore
With recreational fishing and boating season getting into gear, the Christie Administration today released a "Jersey Shore Open for Boating" fact sheet and flier to educate the public on having a safe time on the water.
"Governor Christie and I are committed to ensuring that our coastal communities are open for tourism and recreation this season after all our state has been through because of Superstorm Sandy," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin.
"We have come a long way. Marinas and charter fishing operations are gearing up for the season , and water quality is excellent," Commissioner Martin said. "We want everyone to know that New Jersey's waterways are open for your enjoyment. We just ask you to use common sense and caution as cleanup continues." To Read the Full News Release, click here.
To view the flier and fact sheet visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/docs/waterways-open-boater-flyer.pdf and http://www.nj.gov/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/docs/faq-boaters.pdf.
For more information on the waterway debris removal effort, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/wwdebris.htm
Follow on Twitter: @NJBeachReport.
Sandy Waterway Debris Resources
NJDEP Sandy Waterway Debris Updates can be found here: http://www.nj.gov/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/wwdebris.htm
Weekly Removal Updates are posted every Saturday on this site.
Report for week ending in 4/27/13
Map for week ending in 4/27/13
Past ReportsTo review the results of the water quality testing, please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/wms/bmw/sandy.html
To review information on beach water testing results, please visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/beaches/
Go Boating NJ Initiative
We're Open, and so are the New Jersey's Waterways
The Go Boating NJ Initiative was officially launched on April 25, 2013. To read the first news release, click here. A new website, GoBoatingNJ.org is up and running. The objective is to provide boaters throughout the Region with accurate, current information on the condition of New Jersey's waterways. Since Hurricane Sandy came ashore in late October, reports of unprecedented destruction to marine facilities, navigation aids and channels left boaters wondering if there would be a boating season in 2013. This initiative was launched to address concerns by providing coverage of the restoration efforts taking place each day by scores of volunteers and organizations, as well as municipal, state and federal agencies.
More importantly, the Go Boating NJ campaign will highlight, through on the water videos and photos, some of NJ's most popular boating areas to give boaters firsthand knowledge and visuals that these waterways are open and ready for them this season.Visit the Go Boating NJ Press Room for News Releases, Photos and Logos free for use.
To support the initiative, visit: http://goboatingnj.org/support.html
MTA/NJ Recovery & Relief Fund Update
In December, the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) announced the establishment of its new Recovery & Relief Fund to provide aid to recreational marine businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy. To read the full news release, click here. The MTA/NJ is pleased to announce the availability of grants from the MTA/NJ Recovery & Relief Fund. To read the letter to the membership, click here. To Apply, Click Here.
I BOAT NJ Update
The MTA/NJ is continuing to lobby for the immediate restoration of the I BOAT NJ program for grant assistance. Members should contact the Governor's office ASAP and urge him to immediately restore the I BOAT NJ Program to help the boating industry recover from Hurricane Sandy. Simply click here to send an email and copy the bold text above.
Final Assessment Report of Superstorm Sandy's Damage to the NJ Marine Industry
As part of the effort to obtain support and financial assistance for the industry, the MTA/NJ conducted a survey to assess the damages to marinas and recreational boating related businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy. 676 surveys were mailed to MTA/NJ members, including all marinas throughout the state. The survey was also distributed via email and posted on the MTA/NJ website. 109 businesses completed the survey. Please click here to review the final report. This report is being distributed to key state and federal officials and legislators working on recovery efforts.
Members Helping Members
If you have services you wish to provide or are in need of services, please email hthe MTA/NJ at info@mtanj.org with all the information and we will post it on the Members Helping Members page.
FEMA
While FEMA is not currently providing help directly to businesses at this time, it’s still very important that you apply for aid if you require it. If you have damages, you’ll want them on record with the federal government so if such a time comes when aid is given, you’re on record as having applied early.
You should also remind your employees to file with FEMA if they need assistance with their homes.You can apply online, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Deadline is May 1, 2013.
- When completing the FEMA application, the owner/partner/principle should apply and use their Social Security number.
- FEMA will direct you to the right area to put in a business claim
- FEMA will provide a number that you need to use for your SBA loan
Audio Recording of the November 8th Conference Call on disaster recovery efforts by the Governor's office, the SBA, FEMA and others:
Free Legal Services: There are free legal services available for your business through FEMA to help provide you legal assistance with filing insurance claims, landlord issues, and/or assistance.Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA provides low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. If you have applied for an SBA loan and are experiencing problems or need assistance, please email your information to info@mtanj.org.
- SBA Phone: 800-659-2955
- SBA Hurricane and Tropical Storm Recovery Assistance Information for New Jersey
- SBA Disaster Loan Information
- SBA FACT SHEET: Please read this important fact sheet
- Loan Application
Financial Assistance
- The application process for Sandy-impacted businesses has begun. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $50,000 in grants or forgiveable loans. Apply now or, for more information on Sandy assistance from the EDA, call 1-855-SANDY BZ.
- The BPU has increased incentives by 50 percent for businesses purchasing equipment damaged by Superstorm Sandy and expanded the list of equipment that qualifies for the rebate. The program will apply to equipment purchased between October 29 and June 30, and for businesses that have already purchased qualified equipment, rebates will be provided retroactively. Additionally, he list of equipment qualifying for the program has been expanded to include a number of restaurant-related items, such refrigerators and freezers, ovens, fryers and other items. For more information on areas of eligibility, or to apply, visit the Clean Energy Program website.
- Direct Install Program - Created specifically for existing small to medium-sized facilities, Direct Install is a turnkey solution that makes it easy and affordable to upgrade to high efficiency equipment. Direct Install is designed to cut your facility’s energy costs by replacing lighting, HVAC and other outdated operational equipment with energy efficiency alternatives. The program pays up to 70% of retrofit costs, dramatically improving your payback on the project. There is a $125,000 incentive cap on each project. Learn more.
- Disaster Assistance Loans for Businesses
- Loans to recover physical damages: The SBA provides loans to repair or replace real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed. The filing deadline for physical disaster loans in New Jersey is now May 1, 2013. For more information, contact the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339).
- Loans to recover economic losses: If your small business or private, nonprofit organization has suffered economic injury, regardless of physical damage, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the US Small Business Adminstration. For more information, contact the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339).
- Micro loans for smaller needs:
- The UCEDC is offering Storm Recovery Micro-Loans at 2% for five years. This is a fast turnaround loan program where small business owners can borrow up to $15,000. There are no collateral, or application and processing fees required. For more information, contact the UCEDC at 908-527-1166.
- NJ Community Capitol is providing critical loans from $10,000 to $30,000 to help small businesses pay for building repairs, equipment and inventory purchases, rent or mortgage payments, salary expenses, and utility costs for which they may need assistance. The loans are for up to 24 months and are at a 3% interest rate. Download the application, or contact the NJCC at 732-640-2061, ext. 405, for more information.
- The Intersect Fund is offering disaster relief loans up to $15,000 at 5% for three years to NJ small businesses that have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Apply online or contact the Intersect Fund at 1-800-840-1900 for more information.
- The Hudson EDC is offering Sandy loans from $10,000 to $25,000 at 2% for three years to businesses in Hudson County affected by Hurricane Sandy (these loans are not available to businesses in Jersey City; businesses in Jersey City should call 201-333-7797 for information about a comparable program). Download the application or contact the Hudson EDC at 201-369-4370 for more information.
Disaster Assistance
- Temporary Hubs for Affected Business to access telephones & Internet Services: http://www.nj.gov/njbusiness/hubs.shtml
- NJ Office of Emergency Management Hurricane Resources: http://www.ready.nj.gov/
Need Help Sorting it All Out?
- NJ Business Action Center - 1-866-534-7789 - The BAC's Business Call Center is the one-stop resource for information on how to get your business back up and running. The Call Center staff assists with the following services:
- Arranging business facility inspections for buildings suffering major flood damage, as such conditions require structural integrity inspections before utility service can be restored. These inspections are handled in local code enforcement offices and by local code enforcement officials. Anticipating an enormous increase in such work, the Department of Community Affairs has mobilized all qualified personnel to assist local governments in this effort.
- Advocating for businesses seeking information from local utilities to restore electric, phone, gas and water services.
- Advocating with insurance carriers to file and expedite claims.
- Providing information on how to qualify for federal recovery assistance, and
- Connecting businesses to the other county and local business services and to the services offered by the Small Business Administration and Small Business Development Centers that include assistance with insurance claims, as well as loans and business plan revision
- Business Recovery Centers -The US Small Business Administration has opened several Business Recovery Centers in NJ. These Centers provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses caused by Hurricane Sandy. To determine the location and operating hours of the center closest to you, the SBA advises you to call them at
800-659-2955. You can also visit one of FEMA's disaster recovery centers.Permitting & Regulatory Information
The DEP has updated the information on their site with answers to Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to storm issues and rebuilding. Most of the recovery and repair activities businesses need to conduct as a result of the damages inflicted by Hurricane Sandy do not require a permit from the Division of Land Use Regulation (CAFRA, Waterfront Development, Freshwater Wetlands and Flood Hazard Areas). Please visit the site and review the information that has been posted.
Marinas
• Sand Removal
• Debris Removal
• Building Damages
• Docks, Boatlift, Bulkhead, Repairs
• Dredging
• Marina Facilities
• Elevating an Existing Building
• Public Access requirements
For other non-regulated or exempt activities, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/landuse/emergencyr.html
• For more posts on hurricane resources, important advisories, the latest news and guidance for regulated facilities, please visit the NJDEP Hurricane Sandy Page.DEP Enforcement Discretion for Vessel Washing Expired on Janurary 3, 2013
Any further extensions will be on a case by case basis and need to be requested by contacting the appropriate DEP region water enforcement field office. If you need assistance obtaining enforcement discretion, please contact the MTA/NJ office at 732-292-1051.Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
• Army Corps of Engineers Sandy Page
• ACOE Philadelphia District Special Public Notice
EPA: The MTA/NJ was contacted by the EPA and asked to communicate information to those impacted by the storm. Click here to read the message. If you are having any issues with the EPA, please contact the MTA/NJ Office at 732-292-1051.Insurance & Tax Information
What to do After the Storm: Provided by John B Wright Insurance
FloodSmart: Tips from the National Flood Insurance Program
NJBIZ News: Insurance Assistance: Christie Sending Insurance Officials to Sandy-hit Counties
Tax Relief: Business owners can apply for tax relief, which allows for expedited refunds or delayed tax filings.
If you have experienced a loss as a result of Hurricane Sandy, FEMA has issued a white paper with a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare to file your 2012 taxes.
Businesses may deduct some of the value of lost property in areas where the federal government has declared disasters. This applies only to losses not covered by insurance. Download the IRS’ Disaster Resource Guide, which contains the forms needed to claim a casualty loss, or visit their Disaster Assistance & Emergency Relief page for other resources.
New Rules for Rebuilding After Sandy - Governor Christie signed emergency regulations to adopt FEMA's updated Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps as the rebuilding standard for the entire state. Using the best available data will give families, businesses, and communities the best assessment of their risk - allowing them to better mitigate damage from future flood events, avoid higher flood insurance costs, and begin the rebuilding process.
IRS Tax Tips - How to Request a Copy of Your Tax Return -Were your tax records lost or damanged during the storm? Read tips from the IRS on reconstructing your records or watch this video on ordering past returns.
Ruling on Sandy Aids Owners of Homes with Wind Damage - The National Weather Service labeled Sandy a post-tropical cyclone, not a hurricane, when it made landfall at the Jersey Shore. That distinction will mean thousands of dollars in cost savings for homeowners who suffered wind damage and who have homeowner's policies that include hurricane deductibles. Read more.
Health & Safety
Instructions on Cleaning Up after a Hurricane: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided instructions on cleaning up your office after a hurricane.
Precautions to Take Returning to Your Office: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on safety precautions to consider upon return to your office.
Christie Administration Reminds Everyone Involved in Sandy Cleanup and Repair to Take Steps to Protect Themselves - As Hurricane Sandy recovery and cleanup continues, Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd cautions community volunteers, homeowners, businesses owners, contractors and other recovery workers to protect their health by wearing gloves, masks, boots, protective eyewear and respirators. Read More.
Department of Health hotline for answers about food/water safety, cleaning and mold removal.
Additional Resources
State of NJ: Governor's Office of Recovery & Rebuilding
Official NJ Hurricane News Center: Includes NJOEM updates and emergency information
NOAA Hurricane SANDY Response Imagery Viewer
Tips on Recovering from a Hurricane: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given tips on recovering from a hurricane.
Boat Owners: What to Do After Sandy: Provided by BoatU.S.
Hurricane Sandy Damages Over 65,000 Recreational Boats: BoatU.S. News Release
NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development: Hurricane Sandy Help Center for NJ Workers & Businesses
Motor Vehicle Commission: If you are having difficulties identifying the owner of a vessel(s) on your property, please contact the MTA/NJ office at 732-292-1051 and we will assist you. The MVC is ready to assist marinas impacted by the storm and they have expedited the process to obtain this information. For general MVC information or forms, please visit: www.state.nj.us/mvc
Lost Boats: The State Police Marine Services Bureau stations are collecting information on lost vessels and contacting owners. If you know of someone that is unable to locate their vessel, have them contact the station nearest to where the boat was located. Click here to Locate a Station.Recovery Training
Christie Announces Grant Program for Hurricane-Recovery Training - At NJBIA’s Public Policy Forum on December 11, Governor Christie announced the release of $26 million in grants from the state’s Department of Labor & Workforce Development to support three economic recovery initiatives to assist businesses and workers in the wake of Hurricane Sandy:
Recovery4Jersey – $4 million will be provided to support private-sector recovery and rebuilding efforts by offering funds to train newly hired workers, and $7 million for Workforce Investment Boards to provide on-the-job training for unemployed individuals hired to aid in recovery. To apply, see pages 5-8 of the state’s official Notice. Notice of Grant Opportunity.
Skills4Jersey – $11 million in training funds to help employers upgrade the occupational, literacy and safety skills of their employees. To apply, see pages 6-8 of the state’s official Notice of Grant Opportunity.
Opportunity4Jersey – $4 million for training programs to fill a “skills gap” reported by NJ employers who indicate that they have difficulty finding qualified workers for their industries. The program will address such gaps through training programs that are tailored to their hiring needs. To apply, see pages 7-8 of the state’s official Notice of Grant Opportunity.
Maritime Observation Form
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) - offers an opportunity for boaters, who know New Jersey's waterways best, to send their observations about aids to navigation, shoaling, debris, etc., within a state navigation channel directly to Maritime Resources. This information is especially critical in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and will assist government officials in identifying debris and shoaling issues in the waterways.
REPORT YOUR OBSERVATION HERE.
