Senators Ask President to Issue Disaster Declaration for March Flooding

Senators Frank Lautenberg (D) and Robert Menendez (D) urged President Obama on Thursday to approve New Jersey’s request for a federal disaster declaration related to the severe flooding that devastated parts of the state in March.  The request includes Bergen County as well as Essex, Morris and Passaic.

“The flooding has caused pain and hardship for residents and local businesses and clean-up and recovery costs will be steep, which will be a significant burden for many individuals and local governments who are facing tight budgets,” the Senators wrote.  “These communities and our citizens deserve all the support that can be provided.” 

If approved, the declaration would free up emergency federal funding to reimburse state emergency management agencies and counties for their recovery and rebuilding efforts.  The request is also for funding to help residents whose property was damaged by the flooding. 

The full letter can be viewed here.