TRENTON — President Obama has declared a major disaster area for New Jersey, expediting federal relief funds to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

The move had been requested by Gov. Chris Christie and New Jersey’s congressional delegation.

“Hundreds of thousands of New Jersey families and business owners have endured incredible losses and stress during the last several days,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th Dist.).

"Municipalities all over the state are operating beyond their budget in order to rebuild communities and continue basic municipal services. I am relieved that New Jersey residents and businesses will have an opportunity to be compensated by the federal government and I will ensure that FEMA is adequately responsive to my constituents.”

Obama's announcement comes days after he declared a state of emergency for the Garden State, a move that made federal resources and funds available for Irene's cleanup. Monday, Christie lobbied the president to make the state a disaster area, enabling federal funds to help individuals and communities recover from the Hurricane immediately without first having to go through assessments.

Obama plans to visit Paterson, in Pascrell’s district, on Sunday.

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• President Obama to visit Paterson to survey Hurricane Irene damage

• As some N.J. residents begin to recover, others have just begun to feel Hurricane Irene's wrath

• Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano coming to N.J. to survey flooding

• Gov. Christie, Sens. Lautenberg, Menendez seek federal funds for Hurricane Irene cleanup

• N.J. Congressman Rush Holt to assess damage of Hurricane Irene in his legislative district

• President Obama declares state of emergency for N.J.