MacArthur Leads Local Officials in Asking FEMA to Extend Deadline

Congressman Tom MacArthur was today joined by 106 local Ocean County elected officials in a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator (FEMA) Craig Fugate, calling on him to extend the deadline for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders to request a review of their claims filed in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. As Congressman MacArthur traveled throughout Ocean County during the August work period, he encountered many residents expressing concerns with the September 15 deadline to enter the review process.

MacArthur explained, "Residents working to recover from Superstorm Sandy have expressed concerns about the fast-approaching September 15th deadline to enter the claims review process. While many residents have expressed concerns, it has become apparent that there is a groundswell of support in Ocean County to give folks more time to consider the options in front of them. I am proud to join with 106 elected officials from Ocean County in calling on FEMA to extend the September 15 deadline. It is time for FEMA to listen to the residents and local elected officials most affected by this deadline, and use a little common sense to extend this deadline."

"I applaud Congressman MacArthur for bringing so many State, County, and local elected officials together to call on FEMA to extend the September 15 deadline for the claims review process," said Freeholder Director John Bartlett. "I am hopeful that FEMA will listen to our call to grant this extension."

"I, along with my 9th District legislative colleagues Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove, have seen firsthand the devastation that so many residents continue to endure as they work to rebuild their lives after Superstorm Sandy," said Senator Christopher Connors. "This arbitrary deadline makes no sense and I am proud to stand with Congressman MacArthur in calling for an extension."

Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato added, "Many area residents continue to struggle with this arbitrary deadline set by FEMA and it's about time for FEMA to use a little common sense to extend the rapidly-approaching deadline. I want to thank Congressman MacArthur for working with the folks he represents to bring attention to this important issue."

*It should be noted that no elected officials turned down the opportunity to sign this letter and any omission is because staff was unable to reach them for their direct approval.