To: The members of the Paterson Business Community

Our City has gone through the worst flooding in over a hundred years. All Access to the entire City was cut off for several days. All Bridges were closed. Flood waters reached over 7' high in some low lying areas. We got hit with a second round of rain and new flooding. Businesses and residents were displaced from there homes and locations.Disaster and hardships abound in every sector of the City.

On a positive note our City government rose to the challenge. I was invited and attended several of the Mayor's emergcy management meetings and I can tell you that The Mayor and his Directors proactivley stayed on top of the situation and managed it as best as could be done under the unpresidented circumstances. We were graced with a visit from President Obama who came to see our devistation for himself.

Now the flood waters have receded, the Passaic River and it's tributaries are back in their banks. But we have been left with a monumental task of cleaning up our homes, our businesses, and our City. There's no doubt that Patersonians are resilient, but we can use all the help and resources we can muster.

Below are links, documents and newsletters that contain information on resources available to us please take the time to review them. I can't stress to you how important it is to register with SBA and/or FEMA by the October31st deadline to be eligable to receive the aid that is available to you.

Beyond this should you have any questions, please call us, 973-881-7300, and we will help direct you to the proper agency.

- Jamie Dykes, Chamber President