Assembly Leadership Announces State Police-Led Thursday Tour of Shore Devastation One Month After Superstorm Sandy

Members of General Assembly Able to see Damage First-Hand as Legislature Prepares to Work Together on Long-Term Solutions

(TRENTON) – Bipartisan Assembly leadership on Tuesday announced New Jersey General Assembly members on Thursday will tour parts of Ocean County that have been devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

            “Now that the immediate emergency response is more settled, it’s important for Assembly members to directly meet with residents and business owners impacted by the storm and to witness the challenges we will face together as we prepare a legislative response,” said Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic). “Assembly members have been devoted to working tirelessly on constituent needs since the storm, but as we move toward rebuilding and recovery, it also will be crucial to know exactly what the state and our residents and businesses are facing.”

           “It is very important to obtain as much information as possible from residents in the devastated areas,” said Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union, Morris and Somerset). “We will work in a bipartisan manner as one unified legislature to rebuild New Jersey. My thanks to Governor Christie for his leadership and Speaker Oliver for her concern for policy over politics.”

The tour will depart the Statehouse around 10 a.m. on Thursday and return at approximately 4 p.m.  Members will travel via buses led by the New Jersey State Police with anticipated stops at Seaside Heights, the Casino Pier and boardwalk, Ortley Beach, Normandy Beach, Brick and Mantoloking.  Members also hope meet with local elected officials.

Members of the media are welcome to join the tour. Those wishing to join the tour are simply asked to RSVP to the Assembly Majority Office at thester@njleg.org or jsciortino@njleg.org.

The Assembly leadership said they wanted to especially thank the Christie administration for helping to arrange the tour.

             “In order to rebuild our state stronger than before, we need to understand what worked and what didn’t and what can be done to avoid large-scale problems in the future,” said Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington) “Touring the damage and speaking with residents and business owners first hand will help us better gauge the challenges that lie ahead as we work together on solutions.”

           “Visiting the impacted communities along the Jersey Shore will give all legislators a better understanding of what issues these towns face as they rebuild,” said Assembly Republican Conference Leader Dave Rible (R-Monmouth and Ocean). “The opportunity to speak with residents, business owners and local officials and gain their insights will be extremely beneficial as we begin the effort to restore the shore.”