Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Flooding on Meeker Avenue in Newark, NJ.
Rep. Payne, Jr. talks about the flood with Jersey City Councilwoman Joyce Watterman.
Rep. Payne, Jr. talks about flood damage with Gary Holness, Jersey City resident.
The flooded basement of Gary Holness, Jersey City resident.
Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. toured the district today to assess the damage after rains from the weaker, but still powerful Hurricane Ida flooded northern New Jersey overnight. Weather reports estimated five to nine inches of water fell on district communities and caused massive flooding of streets and basements. The storm caused at least 43 deaths, including at least seven in New Jersey, and millions of dollars in damage to homes and vehicles. Rep. Payne, Jr. toured the most flooded areas of Jersey City, Newark, and other communities. The Congressman found flooded streets throughout the district and spoke with law enforcement officials about the most effective ways to drain them. Then he met with district residents to see flooded basements and discuss how to protect housing before the next devastating storm.
“My condolences to Americans who lost loved ones during this historic flooding,” said Rep. Payne, Jr. “Unfortunately, the power and frequency of these storms proves that climate change is here and it’s not going away without immediate action. We need to improve our water pumps and sewage facilities to direct more water away from vulnerable residents and neighborhoods. I voted for a bill that includes billions of dollars for infrastructure to improve water management and protect communities from environmental disaster. I am proud the Biden Administration supports it and other bills like it. But we need to pass these bills now and get these funds to the people who need it the most.”
For more information about what to do during and after a flood, please click here: http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/floods.shtml.
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