U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today urged President Obama to approve the State of New Jersey’s request for a federal disaster declaration related to the massive snow storms that hit large parts of the state beginning on  February 5, 2010. The request covers eight counties that received, in some cases, more than two feet of snow: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem.

“With millions of dollars in damage caused by this snowstorm, New Jersey is seeking a much-needed disaster declaration to assist in the recovery of these hard-hit areas,” wrote the senators. “The devastation endured by New Jersey residents, business owners, and local governments merits a disaster declaration and emergency assistance.  This has been a very difficult winter for the state and we urge you to approve this request as soon as possible to ensure the people of New Jersey can begin to rebuild from this storm and mitigate against future disasters.”

If approved, the declaration would free up emergency federal funding to reimburse state emergency management agencies and counties for their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

PDF of letter to President Obama: http://menendez.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/20100311ltr_DisasterDeclaration.pdf

Text of letter

March 11, 2010

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write to urge you to consider granting Governor Christie’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration and emergency assistance for residents of New Jersey counties devastated by a severe winter storm during the period of February 5-6, 2010.  The areas affected most severely by this storm include: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem Counties.  We support the Governor’s request to provide Public Assistance Categories A, B, E and G, including snow removal, for these counties along with any other county that meets FEMA’s per capita threshold for disaster aid.  In addition, we also support the request for approval of Hazard Mitigation assistance throughout the entire state of New Jersey. 

New Jersey was among the states struck by two powerful snowstorms starting February 5th that caused widespread damage and required a full emergency response from the state.  Record-setting snowfalls—reaching more than two feet in some parts—accompanied by high winds, caused power outages and made roads and sidewalks impassible.  Despite the professionalism and dedication of emergency management personnel, the sheer magnitude of this disaster overwhelmed the limited resources of our state, which was still recovering from the December snowstorm and the devastating nor’easter that struck in November. 

With millions of dollars in damage caused by this snowstorm, New Jersey is seeking a much-needed disaster declaration to assist in the recovery of these hard-hit areas.  The devastation endured by New Jersey residents, business owners, and local governments merits a disaster declaration and emergency assistance.  This has been a very difficult winter for the state and we urge you to approve this request as soon as possible to ensure the people of New Jersey can begin to rebuild from this storm and mitigate against future disasters.

Thank you in advance for your full consideration of New Jersey’s request.  We look forward to your prompt action on this important issue. 

Sincerely,

FRANK R. LAUTENBERG
United States Senator

ROBERT MENENDEZ
United States Senator