PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey wants millions of dollars in federal disaster relief from Tropical Storm Isaias, which pummeled the state in August. Some of that money would go to our region.
Gov. Phil Murphy has sent the White House a request for just under $34.2 million in recovery funds for parts of the state hit hardest by the storm. That covers 11 counties, including Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Burlington and Gloucester.
"These funds are necessary to help state, county and local officials recoup the cost of the cleanup from the storm," Murphy said.
The state was hit very hard by the storm, with downed trees and wires everywhere.
"The damage from Isaias led to roughly 1.4 million New Jerseyans losing power. And many of those outages extended, if you recall, for days," Murphy recounted.
"Along with multiple disruptions to mass transit and road closures due to downed power lines and trees," he added. "Numerous water systems also had to move to alternate power among other problems."
Because of all the storm damage, Murphy said the state had to open 13 debris management sites.
A letter was sent to the White House supporting Murphy's request. It was signed by both New Jersey senators and all 12 representatives.