Sen. Booker and New Jersey Delegation Ask President Obama to Expedite FEMA Aid to Southern New Jersey Residents

Booker, Menendez, MacArther, LoBiondo and Norcross request FEMA Aid following the severe storm that hit southern New Jersey on June 23^rd

WASHINGTON- U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) today led a letter urging President Obama to expedite FEMA aid to communities in southern New Jersey following the “macroburst” storm on June 23, 2015.  He was joined by fellow New Jersey delegation members Sen. Menendez (D-NJ), Reps. MacArthur (R-NJ), LoBiondo (R-NJ), and Norcross (D-NJ).

 “Heavy rain and high winds up to 85 mph were recorded resulting in toppled trees, snapped power poles, and impassable roads across the region.  Straight line wind damage left thousands without power, and left many communities responsible for the immediate debris removal costs and emergency repair of infrastructure.  Preliminary assessments have shown that damages in four New Jersey counties including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties, will exceed the threshold required for federal disaster assistance.”  the members wrote.

 

 July 13, 2015

 

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

 

Dear Mr. President:

 

We write today regarding the June 23, 2015 “macroburst” storm that affected Southern New Jersey, and request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) do everything within its ability to assist affected communities in recovering quickly and completely from the effects of this storm.

 

Heavy rain and high winds up to 85 mph were recorded resulting in toppled trees, snapped power poles, and impassable roads across the region.  Straight line wind damage left thousands without power, and left many communities responsible for the immediate debris removal costs and emergency repair of infrastructure.  Preliminary assessments have shown that damages in four New Jersey counties including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties, will exceed the threshold required for federal disaster assistance.

 

We understand that the State of New Jersey has completed the damage assessment and has requested a major disaster declaration for the four counties that sustained in excess of $15 million worth of damage.  We write to ask that FEMA act expeditiously in reviewing the request and in coordinating the disbursement of resources with the State, County, and Municipal governments found eligible for assistance.

 

New Jersey is still recovering from Superstorm Sandy and federal recovery dollars have been instrumental in the rebuilding process. After examining the damage from the June 23 storm, we believe that federal recovery resources should be made available quickly to assist these affected communities.  We appreciate your time and attention to this matter, and look forward to FEMA’s response. 

Sincerely,

 

Robert Menendez                                                     Cory A. Booker

United States Senator                                               United States Senator

 

Frank LoBiondo                                                        Donald Norcross

Member of Congress                                                 Member of Congress

 

Tom MacArthur                                                       

Member of Congress