Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce observed flood damage in Lincoln Park today with Governor Christie and federal, state and local officials as the federal government assesses the amount of federal assistance needed to help New Jersey recover from Hurricane Irene.

“Many parts of our state remain under water and thousands of residents still wait for their power to be restored,” DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic, said. “There is no question that New Jersey is in a severe situation that will require a lengthy and expensive cleanup.

“Repairing the extraordinary damage of Hurricane Irene exceeds the capability of our devastated communities,” DeCroce added. “The flooding I have seen in Lincoln Park and the entire Passaic River area is precisely why we have FEMA and why federal officials should approve Governor Christie’s request for expedited assistance.”

DeCroce was among a group of officials touring Lincoln Park, one of many communities submerged by the overflowing Passaic River.

Also touring the Morris County suburb was Governor Christie, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate as well as other state and local officials, such as Lincoln Park Mayor David Runfeldt.

“There was never any doubt of Governor Christie’s commitment to helping New Jersey through this disaster and federal officials reaffirmed their intent to help us recover and rebuild better than before,” DeCroce said. “Disasters require cooperation from all levels of government and I fully expect the federal government to follow through on its promise to bring relief to New Jersey and our communities.”

Officials held a briefing at the Lincoln Park Fire Company, No. 1, whose members were lauded for the services they provided before, during and after the weekend storm. Members of the New Jersey National Guard were also honored.

“Emergency responders deserve our gratitude for keeping us safe in extremely dangerous conditions,” DeCroce said. “Their work began before Irene arrived and will continue long after she left without thought of their own personal safety. I thank them and commend their dedication and service.” TLS.