UPDATE: Corrected Information on FEMA Funding Contact Information

In the wake of the impact of Hurricane Irene, Howell Township and the rest of Monmouth County were included in a declaration of a major disaster signed by President Barack Obama. 

An email from the mayor and council to residents on Sunday morning announced that the funding will help both the township and its residents rebuild from the most powerful storm to hit the area in recent memory with mony from FEMA. 

According to Bill Vogel, FEMA's Coordinating Officer, the township will receive both public assistance as well as individual assistance. The public money goes to "government entities and non-profits for infrastructure repair, including roads, parks and government buildings," the email said. The current funding will help to pay for the removal of debris and other repairs that are of an emergency nature, the email continued. More public funding will have to be approved by Congress.

Unlike the public funding, the individual assistance does not need congressional approval and is for residents and businesses impacted by the storm. 

Those residents or business owners wishing to make a claim should contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or go to their website. Employees of FEMA and from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will be out in the field looking at the damage the storm caused and can help people with the registration process.

Before residents contact FEMA they are asked to contact their own insurance companies first as the government aid will only cover costs not paid through insurance. 

As part of the process involving FEMA claims Major Dennis McNulty of the New Jersey OEM said "Disaster Recovery," facilities will be set up throughout the state on Tuesday. The email said the township is working to have one of these locations set up in Howell but that they have not yet been determined.

More information can be found on the FEMA website as well as the state's website.