Dear President Obama:
As Members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, we are writing to express our full support for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's request for an expedited declaration of a major disaster for the entire State of New Jersey.
Your declaration would greatly help our state to start recovering from the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Irene. The severe weather over the weekend of August 27 and 28 caused rapid stream and river flooding impacting every section of the state and prompting Governor Christie to issue a statewide State of Emergency and execute the State of Emergency Plan.
Considering the magnitude of the storm and the extremely high preliminary damage estimates that are now coming in from our communities, we respectfully ask that after a proper and prompt review, you agree with the Governor's request for an expedited declaration of a major disaster area. Federal support is extremely important for the thousands of New Jersey's residents who have been displaced from their homes, and it is essential to continue our recovery efforts and to reduce further strain on local, county and the state budgets. Delaying federal resources would greatly impact New Jersey's rebuilding efforts and its economy.
Sincerely,
REP. CHRIS SMITH
Member of Congress
REP. BILL J. PASCRELL
Member of Congress
REP. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN
Member of Congress
REP. FRANK PALLONE JR.
Member of Congress
REP. STEVE R. ROTHMAN
Member of Congress
REP. JON D. RUNYAN
Member of Congress
REP. ROBERT E. ANDREWS
Member of Congress
REP. FRANK A. LOBIONDO
Member of Congress
REP. SCOTT GARRETT
Member of Congress
REP. LEONARD LANCE
Member of Congress
REP. DONALD M. PAYNE
Member of Congress
REP. RUSH D. HOLT
Member of Congress