Gov. Chris Christie announced Thursday that the state is appealing the recent FEMA denial of aid to New Jersey townships ravaged by March flooding.

The state had requested Individual Aid for homeowners in Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties and Public Assistance in Warren and Passaic Counties. 

“We are disappointed in this initial outcome, but will continue to fight for New Jersey’s impacted communities and will exert the options available to us through the appeal process,” said Governor Christie. “We are mindful of residents in the affected areas who have suffered property damage, the small businesses which have endured economic losses and local jurisdictions with infrastructure damage. Federal disaster assistance would help these communities recover and return back to normal. I look forward to working with New Jersey’s congressional delegation to bring relief to these residents.” 

Preliminary assessments put the damage at $4.5 million and some 4,000 homes. 

In a letter to the president, Christie said a spate of sever storms over the past two years has pounded the state's budget and curtailed the administration's ability to respond.

"I remain convinced that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments, and that supplementary federal emergency assistance is necessary," Christie wrote.