Pallone Requests Major Disaster Area Declaration for Monmouth, Middlesex and Union Counties

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. Thursday requested that Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Fugate declare Monmouth, Middlesex and Union counties major disaster areas. This declaration will allow individuals who are not eligible for insurance coverage and who live in these counties to receive federal funding to help them repair damages from Hurricane Irene and also pay for temporary housing

The text of the letter appears below.

September 1, 2011

W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate,

I write today regarding the recent major disaster declaration for certain counties in New Jersey affected by Hurricane Irene. I respectfully request that as damage assessments continue for the state of New Jersey, the counties of Monmouth, Middlesex and Union be added to this major disaster declaration.

First, I would like to commend you for your outstanding and tireless work in recent days to prepare and respond to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irene. Since Hurricane Katrina, it is clear federal and state governments have made significant improvements in disaster preparedness and response. The level of coordination between federal, state and local officials was the best I have seen during my tenure as an elected official.

I have personally toured numerous communities throughout my Congressional District in Monmouth, Middlesex and Union counties that have been severely damaged by this storm. Earlier in the week, I also accompanied state police to survey damage in the area by helicopter. This gave me the opportunity to have a bird’s eye view of flooding inundating many communities in my district. The amount of damage to homes, businesses and roads is too great to list.

I therefore urge you to expeditiously amend the major disaster declaration to include Monmouth, Middlesex and Union counties in order to activate important disaster assistance to these damaged communities. I look forward to working with you as the response effort moves forward. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance in any way.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress