comments Obama declares N.J. a disaster area in wake of Hurricane Sandy

President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy battered the state Monday.

The declaration clears the way to making federal funds available to people affected by the storm in Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union counties.

Assistance can also include grants for temporary housing and home repairs.

Money is also available to government agencies within the declaration zone.