NEW JERSEY — State lawmakers representing New Jersey’s 24th Legislative District said Sunday they have asked Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration to consider issuing a state of emergency declaration following severe storms that caused widespread damage and prolonged power outages across northwestern New Jersey.
In a Facebook post Sunday, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia said she, state Sen. Parker Space and Assemblyman Mike Inganamort contacted the Governor’s Office and its Senior Director of Legislative Services to request a declaration because of the scale of the storm’s impact across the district.
“This isn’t just a few trees down and some isolated outages,” Fantasia wrote. “We’re dealing with widespread property damage, blocked egress with many impassable roads and driveways, downed utility lines, and tens of thousands of residents across LD24 without power during dangerous heat.”
Fantasia said the outages have been especially difficult in rural communities, where many homes rely on electricity to operate well pumps and septic systems.
She said a state of emergency declaration would help expedite resources, coordinate emergency response efforts, provide access to additional mutual aid and position New Jersey to seek federal assistance if the damage exceeds state and local capabilities.
The 24th Legislative District includes all of Sussex County, all of Warren County and portions of Morris County.
Fantasia also expressed gratitude to the utility workers, first responders and emergency personnel involved in the recovery effort.
“We are deeply grateful for the linemen, tree removal crews, EMS, OEMs, and all who are working around the clock in terrible conditions to complete repairs safely and with urgency,” she wrote.
As of Monday morning, thousands of customers in the 24th Legislative District remained without power as utility crews continued restoration efforts following the storms.
