PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – President Obama has announced federal disaster aid for Pennsylvania in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

The president’s declaration for several counties in Pennsylvania, including the five-county Philadelphia area, means federal funds will supplement state and local money as the cleanup from flooding and downed trees continues.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Ruth Miller says they are beginning what they call joint damage assessments.

“We’ll be taking out teams of folks from the federal government, state government, and county and local governments to take a look at damages all across the state,” Miller said.

Miller expects that to go through this weekend and past Labor Day likely. Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley was in Bucks County on Monday while Governor Corbett toured Northeastern Pennsylvania as the cleanup continues.

In New Jersey, flooding remains a major issue in Trenton and many other areas. Governor Chris Christie says he has spoken directly with President Obama. Christie says the president told him he would help cut through the red tape and get expedited federal aid to the hardest hit areas of the state.

Reported by Jim Melwert, KYW Newsradio 1060