U.S. Sens. Frank Lautenberg (left) and Robert Menendez (right)
NEWARK—With communities across New Jersey facing fuel crises, U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez today called on President Barack Obama to dispatch supplies of gasoline and fuel to the state for residents, to keep emergency vehicles running, and to ensure critical infrastructure, like water treatment and sanitation facilities, remain operable. The Senators also requested backup generators, dryers, and additional fuel supplies to help electric companies continue their efforts to restore power.
Obama initially issued a federal disaster declaration for eight New Jersey counties, and two additional counties were added today. Those ten counties are eligible for federal aid, and Lautenberg and Menendez have requested that additional New Jersey counties be included in the disaster declaration.
“We are dealing with a crisis on the ground with rescue and recovery where millions are without power and without basic necessities. Furthermore, our constituents are sitting in lines up to a mile long waiting to fuel their vehicles, tying up local resources that are managing traffic conditions in these areas,” the Senators wrote. “You have shown extraordinary leadership helping us cope with this terrible storm and we urge you to use the full force of the federal government, including using military assets, to bring this needed help to our state.”
