Rep. Norcross Statement on Major Disaster Declaration for State of New Jersey

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the Trump administration's decision to grant a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of New Jersey:

"With the Major Disaster Declaration, New Jersey is now eligible for additional federal resources and support to combat the coronavirus outbreak and help our residents.

"South Jersey health care workers have been on the frontline during this difficult time, and we will continue to fight for the resources and equipment they need."

Norcross and the New Jersey Congressional Delegation petitioned President Trump on Tuesday, supporting Governor Phil Murphy's request for a Major Disaster Declaration in New Jersey.

The entire bipartisan New Jersey Congressional Delegation also asked Congressional leadership to prioritize robust funding and flexibility for the Community Disaster Loan (CDL) program, which provides operational funding for local governments to continue to operate after a substantial revenue loss caused by a major disaster. Additionally, the NJ Delegation urged FEMA officials to set up four, 250-bed federal medical stations (FMS) in order to increase capacity in the state's already taxed health system with COVID-19 cases on the rise. These rapidly deployable units contain beds, supplies and medicines, which can quickly turn a pre-identified building into a temporary medical shelter.