Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) took steps this week to secure federal assistance for New Jersey in the aftermath of a Nor'easter storm that caused significant damage to the state.

            On Monday, Pallone joined with other New Jersey lawmakers in sending a letter to President Bush requesting that he declare New Jersey a federal disaster area.  This declaration would make the state eligible for additional federal aid, including assistance with debris removal, road repair and building reconstruction.   

            In the letter, the New Jersey lawmakers wrote, "The residents will likely be in need of federal assistance to immediately help them recover from this devastation.  Therefore, we encourage you to accept our Acting Governor’s request for a disaster declaration.  Your prompt disaster declaration would enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to begin the task of helping our residents."

The New Jersey congressman's staff in New Brunswick has been in contact with business owners and residents who were evacuated from their homes or were forced to close their businesses because of the flooding.  Pallone's New Brunswick office was one of many that were closed yesterday when the Raritan overran its banks and flooded areas throughout New Brunswick including Route 18.

Middlesex County was hit particularly hard by the storm and the resulting flooding after South River, the Green Brook and the Raritan River all flooded.  The New Jersey congressman vowed to work with FEMA to ensure that federal assistance is expedited to the Middlesex communities affected by the flooding.  He is also working to secure funding to advance flood control projects across the county. 

Pallone, who also represents large portions of the Jersey shore, also called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to examine the state of New Jersey's beaches after the storm.  The Congressman's staff also did a visual examination of beaches in his district.  Information gathered during these tours will be used to gain a better understanding of where shore protection and flood control efforts should be concentrated.

            "I am particularly concerned about areas where the beaches were already thin and thus particularly vulnerable to storm damage," Pallone said.  "We know that beaches provide an important buffer against damage to houses, roads, and other infrastructure, so it is critical to find out which areas need help the most."

            In the Monmouth County region of Pallone's Congressional District, the lawmaker is working to secure funding to advance flood control projects along the Shrewsbury River in Sea Bright. His staff spoke today with local home and business owners regarding the flooding in Sea Bright caused by the Shrewsbury River overflowing the bulkhead.