In an effort to bring immediate federal assistance directly to Passaic County, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today sent the following letter to Administrator David Paulison of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

On April 26, 2007 Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) joined with the New Jersey Congressional delegation in supporting Acting Governor Richard J. Codey’s request that President George W. Bush issue a disaster declaration for areas of New Jersey that were affected by the recent storm.  Acting Governor Codey’s request for federal assistance was submitted today.

The text of Rep. Pascrell’s letter is attached below;

April 18, 2007

The Honorable R. David Paulison
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472

Attn: Regional Administrator Stephen Kempf, Jr.

Dear Administrator Paulison:

I am writing to request that your agency move quickly to assist New Jersey’s Passaic River Basin in recovering from the widespread flooding caused by this week’s Nor’easter.

This storm has resulted in the worst rainfall in New Jersey since 1882.  The Passaic River crested at 11.9 feet early this morning in Little Falls, and is not expected to recede for days, resulting in the worst flooding the area has seen for almost 25 years.

Towns in the Central Passaic River Basin include Wayne, Totowa, Clifton, West Paterson, Pompton Lakes, Paterson, Passaic, and Little Falls.  Flooding continues to cause severe property damage in these municipalities and the closing of many roads and bridges.  About 2,600 residents in Bergen and Passaic counties have been evacuated from their homes.  State, county, and local first responders continue to work overtime to help safeguard life and property.

Today, Acting Governor Richard Codey requested that the President issue a preliminary emergency declaration for areas of New Jersey affected by this week’s storm.  He also issued a State of Emergency for New Jersey on Monday, which remains in effect.

Municipalities in the Passaic River Basin need federal assistance to help them recover from this devastation.  Specifically, a Disaster Assessment Team must be sent to the Passaic River area as soon as possible.   

Please apprise me of FEMA’s plans for helping this devastated region.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.  

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Bill Pascrell, Jr.
                                                                        Member of Congress

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