73°
Gov. Christie said earlier today said that throngs of utility workers are descending on the state from throughout the U.S.
“We literally will have tens of thousands of workers in this state by close of business tomorrow to restore power,” the governor said, adding that temporary housing would be necessary.
A dozen governors have authorized sending utility trucks, he said.
The military is sending C-130 transport planes to rush trucks and workers from those states furthest away, Christie during a conference call earlier this afternoon with local, state, county and federal officials (SEE: Obama praises NJ, pledges support, during Christie conference call with local officials).
OEM Director Dwane Razzetti said the reinforcements will help speed the process of restoring power, but it will still take some time.
The phone numbers
PSE&G: (201) 785-8518
Orange and Rockland Utilities: (201) 785-8524
Awaiting fuel promised by the federal government, Bergen County officials are “still meeting the demands” of all municipalities for emergency services, Razzetti said late this afternoon, during what has become a daily conference call with dozens of local elected and appointed officials.
Six distribution points are being established for more than a million gallons of fuel coming in. The anticipated reinforcements should head off a shortfall, Razzetti said.
There is still “a very serious concern about gasoline and kerosene” in the water and ground in Moonachie and Little Ferry as a result of flooding caused by a berm breach earlier that forced hundreds of evacuations this week, Bergen County Administrator Ed Trawinski said.
Some Little Ferry residents have returned to their homes. Several homes have been destroyed, however, Trawinski said.
A disaster recovery center will open Monday on the 4th floor of 1 Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack to help secure financial aid for those in need.
The good news is that Bergen County today was declared a disaster area — a critical distinction.
“That means anybody who has to can apply right now for assistance,” Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan said, after hustling to the conference call meeting following a news conference with Gov. Christie in Moonachie (The governor toured the area by helicopter and visited shelters this afternoon).
“That’s real good news for people who’ve been affected by this storm,” Donovan said, adding that FEMA inspectors are expected within 24 to 48 hours for those who request assistance.
SEE: How to: Apply for FEMA assistance, make insurance claim
Local officials both politely and irritatedly asked when power will be restored.
Six split telephone poles and four fallen oak trees have dropped wires along River Road in Edgewater, where officials said no one is able to travel north or south.
Razzetti said he would contact PSE&G about the situation.
Rumors of dams breaking and flooding from the reservoirs aren’t true, he added.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hackensack and receive free news updates.
