Letter to President Donald J. Trump - Approve Disaster Declaration for March Winter Storm

Letter

Dear President Trump:

Governor Murphy has formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of the severe winter storm that struck New Jersey from March 6, 2018 to March 8, 2018. We are writing to urge you to approve this request to ensure New Jersey receives the assistance it needs fully recover from this storm.

The severe winter storm that struck New Jersey from March 6, 2018 to March 8, 2018 dumped a record-breaking 27 inches of snow in some areas of Bergen and Morris Counties and near record levels in other counties. Powerful winds added to the damage, leaving 337,000 customers without power, some blacked out for days or even weeks. While the immediate response by state and local emergency responders was robust and professional, the sheer size of this storm, combined with New Jersey suffering multiple nor'easters in the month of March alone, created a significant burden on our state's resources.

With total damages approaching $20 million, expenditures are expected to exceed the statewide per capita and county thresholds have already been exceeded in several counties. We therefore urge you to support Governor Murphy's request by issuing a Major Disaster Declaration for the counties of Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic and Somerset and providing snow assistance to the counties of Bergen and Morris.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to a prompt response to our request.

Sincerely,