TRENTON, NJ – Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) accompanied by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region II Director Steve Kempf, toured sites afflicted by the flooding of the Delaware River due to recent severe rain storms in the region.  During his assessment of damaged areas, Smith met with members of the Trenton Police Department, New Jersey State Police, clean-up crews and residents to better understand the impact of last week’s storms.

“Personally touring the sites inflicted by hardship and meeting with officials on the ground leading the clean-up is the most informative way to assess the damages caused by last week’s floods,” said Smith.

In his briefing with Steve Kempf, Smith was updated on FEMA’s role in aiding local officials in the days immediately following the storm.

“With their unique understanding of emergency response from their expert knowledge of aiding state and local officials in situations such as this, FEMA’s active presence in the days following the storm has undoubtedly been a boost.”

Smith also met with Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent, New Jersey State Police, in charge of overseeing the state’s emergency management team.

FEMA and the federal government are now waiting for the state to finalize their assessment to determine eligibility for federal funds.

“Rest assured that if Governor Corzine determines that federal funds are necessary for repair, I will do everything in my power to make sure those funds are received.”

“Regardless of the outcome of the state government’s final assessment, as in the past, I stand ready to help any individual who may need assistance due to the havoc caused by the storm,” said Smith.