Congressman Jeff Van Drew has called on New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill to declare a State of Emergency and issue a disaster declaration for the state’s beaches. The request is intended to enable New Jersey to start the process of securing federal assistance needed to stabilize and repair coastal areas affected by storms, erosion, and heavy surf.
“Under federal law, New Jersey cannot even begin the process of requesting emergency help from the Army Corps of Engineers unless the Governor makes this declaration,” said Congressman Van Drew. “The Jersey Shore has taken repeated hits from storms, erosion, and heavy surf, and we are at a point where action is necessary to prevent further damage. I have already identified the federal funding available for this exact purpose, and I have spoken with the Army Corps of Engineers about how we would implement it. But nothing can begin until the Governor makes the formal request.”
He continued: “I am urging both Governor Murphy and Governor-elect Sherrill to make this declaration immediately so the state can request this federal support. Every day we wait allows more erosion and delays the work that needs to begin. Once the State submits the request, I will do everything I can at the federal level to move the process forward and make sure our shore towns get the attention they deserve. But none of that can happen until the Governor takes that step.”
The full text of Congressman Van Drew’s letter is available online.