Governor Christie’s news conference on recovery efforts – Sunday, Nov 4, 2012

Gov. Chris Christie says all 21 New Jersey counties will now be included in the major disaster area declaration, so all residents will now be able to seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

Christie made the announcement during a news conference in Hoboken on Sunday afternoon.

The governor also said progress has been made in restoring power to those who lost their service when Superstorm Sandy struck last weekend.

Christie noted that fewer than 1 million residents were without power as of Sunday, compared with 2.7 million who lost their electricity at the height of the storm. Christie called the change “substantial progress.”

The governor also said he’s hopeful the PATH service will reopen by the end of the week.

Gas rationing in effect for North Jersey

Long lines remained the norm at many gas stations in central and northern New Jersey on Sunday, but motorists said their concerns over fuel were easing as more stations resumed operations across the state.

Most drivers also seemed to be coping with the gas-rationing system imposed by Gov. Chris Christie in 12 of the state’s 21 counties, though many questioned whether it was needed. And numerous drivers admitted they were traveling to counties where the restrictions were not in place to get their gas.