'Mercer Co. Here To Assist,' Says County Official On Ida Recovery

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — As remnants of Hurrican Ida pummeled the state, Mercer County is beginning to assess the damage caused to life and property.

As of Thursday, the County reported two confirmed deaths – both from Hopewell Township. No further details were released.

“It is with great sadness that I report that despite the countless rescues that took place overnight, we know that at least two Mercer County souls have been lost,” Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes said in a statement Thursday night.

Hughes thanked the first responders, police, firefighters, EMTs, emergency workers and public works professionals who worked throughout the “day and night to save lives.”

“The courage and commitment our first responders have displayed throughout this crisis is awe-inspiring and appreciated,” Hughes said.

Three Hopewell Township Police officers were rescued after they were swept away by raging floodwaters. They hung on trees for almost two hours, until help arrived. They became trapped while responding to help a vehicle stuck in floodwaters on Route 518 Lambertville-Hopewell.

Read More Here: 'Miracle In Mercer:' 3 Police Officers Rescued In Ida Flash Flood

Hughes said the County will assist all residents who have been displaced or lost property during the flooding.

“To our residents who have been displaced from their homes or who have lost property, Mercer County is here to assist you. For those who made it through the storm without harm, I encourage you to check on the well-being of your friends and neighbors and to offer comfort in any way you can.”

He also thanked Gov. Phil Murphy for his quick action in “declaring a State of Emergency in New Jersey, which will allow Mercer County to seek federal reimbursement for its disaster response and help us begin to pick up the pieces and recover.”

Small businesses impacted by the severe effects of Tropical Storm Ida on Wednesday may be eligible for up to thousands of dollars in aid as part of a proposed $10M relief package announced by Gov. Phil Murphy.

Read More Here: $10M Ida Storm Aid Proposed For Small NJ Businesses: Murphy

Murphy noted that he has already spoken with President Joe Biden and FEMA to request emergency funding. As of Friday morning, the state has already received an emergency declaration, meaning that emergency aid equipment has already been received and additional assessments regarding more aid for the state are now underway.

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