New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has declared a state of emergency for seven South Jersey counties battered by Saturday’s snowstorm. Tuesday’s declaration will allow the state to apply to the federal government for money to help pay the costs associated with the storm, which dumped 2 feet of snow in much of southern New Jersey. More than 30,000 homes and businesses were still without power Tuesday. The declaration applies to Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic and Burlington counties.

It comes as another storm is expected to hit the area Tuesday night. It could bring a foot or more of new snow to some of the affected counties.
Gov. Christie should amend today’s disaster declaration to include Ocean County, so its municipalities can be eligible for government assistance with costs from the Feb. 5-6 storm, Rep. John Adler, D-N.J. said.

“I am deeply troubled that the governor excluded Ocean County from state and federal assistance,” said Adler, who earlier today submitted a letter co-signed by 29 mayors asking for a disaster declaration for Camden, Burlington and Ocean counties in his district.

The governor’s office issue its announcement of a disaster designation for seven counties, but Ocean was not on the list.

“Our local communities are facing enormous bills as towns remove snow, repair roads, and protect our beaches,” Adler said. “The governor should revise his declaration to include Ocean County immediately.” AP