South Jersey counties want Christie to declare state of emergency after floods

After 11 inches of rain, breached dams and washed out bridges, Salem and Cumberland counties want N.J. Gov. Chris Christie to apply for federal funding to bring some relief to South Jersey.

Senate President Steve Sweeney, Assembly Deputy Speaker John J. Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley called on Christie yesterday to declare a state of emergency and seek federal disaster aid for the area.

“This is a real disaster that will surely cost taxpayers dearly to clean up,” Today’s Sunbeam quotes Burzichelli as saying. “Basic infrastructure such as roads and dams that are vital to routine public safety are going to have to be repaired, and whatever assistance we can get from the federal government to buttress our fine county and local efforts will be more than welcome and should be sought.”

Before he can apply for federal funding, Christie must determine the damage is beyond what state and local resources can repair.