Following heavy rain and coastal flooding caused by a powerful nor’easter that impacted areas across New Jersey, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today called on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to conduct a prompt survey to assess the damage to the state in anticipation of the necessity for a federal disaster declaration.

“In some parts of my district 6 to 7 feet of tidal flooding inundated businesses and homes, municipal infrastructure such as piers and bulkheads are severely damaged, and cars on the street are submerged in flood water,” Pallone wrote. “While it appears that flood control projects, berms, and raised homes saved many areas from even worse damage, the destruction left behind from this storm is significant.”

Pallone also thanked Governor Sherrill for her proactive state of emergency declaration, and reiterated his willingness to work with state officials to provide the necessary federal funds to help towns, businesses, and residents recover from the storm.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Commissioner Potosnak and Acting State Director Hengemuhle:

Over the weekend, my district and areas across New Jersey were hit by a powerful nor’easter storm that resulted in intense rainfall, tidal surges, and forceful winds. I appreciate your willingness to conduct a prompt survey to assess damage to our state. This is necessary in my effort to secure a federal disaster declaration, should the damage survey thresholds be met.

From power outages to substantial coastal erosion, this nor’easter has brought dangerous conditions to our state. In its most recent forecast, the National Weather Service warned that the nor'easter would likely continue heavy rain and tidal surges on mid-Atlantic and northeastern states through Monday night. Coastal sections of New Jersey are seeing significant flooding. In some parts of my district, six to seven feet of tidal flooding inundated businesses and homes, municipal infrastructure such as piers and bulkheads are severely damaged, and cars on the street are submerged in flood water. While it appears that flood control projects, berms, and raised homes saved many areas from even worse damage, the destruction left behind from this storm is significant.

I appreciate Governor Sherrill’s proactive state of emergency declaration, and I urge the DEP and OEM to gather information on the full extent of the damage as soon as it is safe to do so.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I stand ready to work with you to provide the necessary federal funds to help towns, businesses, and residents recover from this devastating storm.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR.

Member of Congress

CC: US Army Corps of Engineers

Federal Emergency Management Agency