District 40 Legislators Commend Actions to Help North Jersey Flooding Survivors

State of Emergency Declared in Flood-Ravaged Areas, Delivering Aid to Passaic, Bergen & Essex Counties

Senator Kristin Corrado and Assemblymen Christopher DePhillips and Kevin Rooney, (all R-40) thanked Governor Murphy for taking action to ensure that storm survivors have the resources they need to address last weekend’s torrential rain fall.

Governor Phil Murphy visits and tours the site of drastic flooding damage after a storm in Little Falls, New Jersey on Monday, August 13th, 2018. Edwin J. Torres/NJ Governor's Office.

 

Pictured: the aftermath of an August 2018 storm that ravaged Little Falls, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas. Sen. Kristin Corrado and Assemblymen Christopher DePhillips and Kevin Rooney have been on the ground to survey the damage and advocate for families impacted in the area. (Edwin J. Torres/NJ Governor’s Office)

After joining the District 40 legislators on a tour of flood-ravaged areas in Little Falls yesterday, Governor Murphy today declared a State of Emergency, so that storm-impacted communities can secure State funds to cope with the damage of last weekend’s catastrophic rain storms.

“Disaster relief is not a partisan issue. We have to reach across the aisle and work together to help every family who was hit hard by this storm. The devastation we have seen in our neighborhoods is heart-wrenching, to say the least. There are people here who have lost everything,” Senator Corrado (R-40) said. “I am so grateful to Governor Murphy for taking immediate action to ensure our communities have the resources they need to rebuild and recover.”

“I am appreciative that the Governor’s office has declared a state of emergency in Bergen County, Essex County and Passaic County at our request and the request of our local mayors,” Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips (R-40) added. “The State aid now available will help bolster the efforts in each town to get our residents back on their feet.”

“Our hearts go out to the residents and businesses impacted by Saturday’s flooding. I want to thank the Mayors, first responders, and town employees who have worked tirelessly in the aftermath, and I want to thank the Governor for taking important action to help those affected,” Assemblyman Kevin Rooney (R-40) said. “This is a critical first step to address the area’s serious flooding conditions which have been neglected for far too long. Now our real work begins. I look forward to working with the Governor’s Office, Department of Environmental Protection, and the Army Corps of Engineers towards mitigating future flooding of the Passaic and Peckman Rivers.”

At least five inches of rain fell in a single hour over the weekend in the area of Little Falls, within Legislative District 40, causing the Peckman River to flood. Approximately 190 homes have been damaged by flooding, with at least 32 rendered uninhabitable, according to a TAP report.

The damage is also staggeringly significant in Woodland Park, also within LD-40, where 210 homes and 75 businesses suffered catastrophic flood damage. The total cost in damage in Woodland Park could total upwards of $3.5 million. Municipal facilities and community centers, such as the local Boys and Girls club and a senior center, were also seriously impacted by the storm.

Governor Phil Murphy visits and tours the site of drastic flooding damage after a storm in Little Falls, New Jersey on Monday, August 13th, 2018. Edwin J. Torres/NJ Governor's Office.

Sen. Kristin Corrado and Assemblymen Christopher DePhillips and Kevin Rooney (all on right) were joined by Governor Murphy in a tour of flood ravaged areas within Legislative District 40. The area suffered significant damage during the August 2018 storms. (Edwin J. Torres/NJ Governor’s Office)

To view a copy of Governor Murphy’s executive order declaring a State of Emergency, click here.