Skip to main content

NJ Congressional Delegation Pushes for Federal Assistance in Wake of Winter Storm Jonas

February 12, 2016

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today led the full New Jersey Congressional delegation in a letter to President Obama urging his Administration to support the State’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for 17 of New Jersey’s 21 counties impacted by Winter Storm Jonas.

The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.), and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06), Frank LoBiondo (N.J.-02), Bill Pascrell (N.J.-09), Chris Smith (N.J.-04), Albio Sires (N.J.-08), Rodney Frelinghuysen (N.J.-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12), Leonard Lance (N.J.-07), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10), Tom MacArthur (N.J.-03), Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), and Scott Garrett (N.J.-05).

“With more than $82 million in damage caused by this storm, New Jersey is seeking a much-needed disaster declaration to assist in the recovery of these hard-hit areas,” the federal delegation wrote. “The devastation endured by New Jersey residents, business owners, and local governments merits a disaster declaration and emergency assistance. Recovery from this storm has been difficult for New Jerseyans, 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.”

The blizzard dumped up to 30 inches of snow in parts of New Jersey, matching or exceeding record levels in 12 counties. High speed winds and a near full moon tide created a significant storm surge that flooded large areas of the Jersey Shore and caused significant beach erosion and property damage. Mass transit services were temporarily suspended, at least 270,000 customers lost power.

Full text of the letter follows and can be downloaded here.

February 12, 2016

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write to urge you to approve Governor Christie’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for 17 of New Jersey’s 21 counties affected by the severe winter storm that caused damages to our state from January 22 through January 29, 2016.

This severe winter storm also known as Jonas dumped upwards of 30 inches of snow in some areas of New Jersey, nearly reaching or exceeding record levels in 12 counties. Even more damaging, high speed winds combined with a near full moon caused a significant storm surge to flood large areas of our coastline. Mass transit services were temporarily suspended, at least 270,000 people lost their power, and homes were flooded. In addition, New Jersey was already recovering from the nor’easter that struck in October causing significant beach erosion and property damage.

With more than $82 million in damage caused by this storm, 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. Recovery from this storm has been difficult for New Jerseyans, 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,

###