Ocean, Monmouth and Cape May Counties would be compensated for the costs of battling the October Nor'easter, if President Obama approves Governor Christie's request for a Major Disaster declaration.

Gov. Chris Christie
Governor Chris Christie delivers his Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Address to the Legislature in the Assembly Chambers at the Statehouse in Trenton, N.J. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. (Governor's Office, Tim Larsen)
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The Governor today announced that the state seeks funds under the Stafford Act for damages estimated in excess of $32 million.

The money would be applied to costs of emergency operations, protective measures, debris clearance and repair of roads and infrastructure components.

The prolonged storm, fed by Hurricane Joaquin and settling on New Jersey October 1 through 4, brought constant rain with sustained winds above 50 miles per hour.

Massive tidal action triggered flood conditions and extensive damage to coastal dune systems. Sand that sat on beaches wound up being cleared from roads and drains.

State officials believe that, with a month left in the Atlantic hurricane season, the hardest-hit areas are still extremely vulnerable

"This storm has put a severe strain on State, county and local resources," the Governor said in prepared remarks.

"Based on the information collected and provided through preliminary and final joint damage assessments, I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response through federal assistance is necessary to supplement the efforts and available resources of the State, county and local governments, and disaster relief organizations. I am specifically requesting Public Assistance for the counties of Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean."

The estimates are based on preliminary damage assessments filed by state and local emergency management officials in coordinaion with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Ocean, Monmouth and Cape May Counties met the FEMA threshold, along with the state.

The Governor requested Public Assistance Grant funds for state, county and local government agencies, and for disaster relief organizations.

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