Gov. Sends Letter Asking President For Expedited Declaration of Disaster

Gov. Chris Christie has asked President Barack Obama for an expedited declaration of a major disaster for all of New Jersey from the federal government.

Christie sent a letter to the president on Monday, a release from the Christie Administration stated.

"Based on the facts and information available, I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments and that supplementary Federal assistance is necessary," Christie said in his letter to the president.

The release from the governor's office said the storm conditions required emergency shelters to be established in 16 counties to house nearly 16,000 evacuees, while over 700,000 residences suffered power outages.

"In light of these catastrophic conditions, field damage assessments should not be required to determine the State's eligibility for supplemental Federal assistance," Christie said in his letter.

A copy of the letter, provided by the Christie Administration, is attached to this article.