NJ seeks disaster aid for Tropical Storm Lee

TRENTON — New Jersey officials have asked the federal government to declare five northern counties a major disaster area in the wake of major flooding spurred by Tropical Storm Lee. Acting Gov. Kim Guadagno said Thursday that the state would seek the designation for Hunterdon, Mercer, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties. The tropical storm, which battered the region with heavy rains and strong winds, came just days after Hurricane Irene had blasted the state. It spurred significant flooding along parts of the Passaic, Pompton and Delaware rivers. If the major disaster declaration is approved, residents in the designated areas would be eligible for federal aid. It also would allow federal agencies to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide emergency equipment and other resources as needed.