Christie wants expedited disaster declaration for New Jersey

N.J. Gov. Chris Christie and Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez are asking for federal storm relief for the state — and fast.

Christie has sent a letter to President Obama asking for an expedited disaster declaration to assist with cleanup and recovery.

“I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affective local governments and that supplementary Federal assistance is necessary,” the letter reads.

The senators wrote a separate letter, and Christie is asking that field assessments not be required as part of the qualification for aid.

Christie had already declared a disaster in Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties before Hurricane Irene hit.