FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 25, 2024

 Pallone Marks Final Phase of Port Monmouth Flood Project, 12 Years After Sandy 

 Port Monmouth, NJ –  Twelve years after Superstorm Sandy devastated Port Monmouth, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. returned today to launch the final phase of the Port Monmouth Storm Risk Reduction Project. 

 Joined by representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Pallone reflected on the progress made and the federal investments driving it. “This project began as a promise after Sandy—to rebuild smarter, stronger, and protect our communities from climate change,” said Pallone. “With this final phase underway, Port Monmouth will finally have the protection it needs for the future. This is a model for how the federal government can partner with local communities to safeguard our coastline.”

The $61.8 million phase includes floodwalls along Highway 36, drainage systems, levees, and road closure gates along Compton Creek between Campbell Avenue and Broadway. These improvements are designed to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from storm surges and rising sea levels.

Pallone, instrumental in securing funding through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, highlighted the personal impact of the project. “It’s impossible to forget the destruction Sandy brought here,” Pallone said. “This isn’t just about flood protection—it’s about restoring security to the Bayshore and ensuring families and businesses don’t live in fear of the next storm.”

The project, part of a broader effort to improve New Jersey’s coastal resilience, is fully funded by the USACE and expected to be completed in 2028. When finished, it will include extensive beachfill, wetlands mitigation, tide gates, concrete floodwalls, raised roads, and interior drainage improvements to manage heavy rainfall and storm surges. 

Today’s milestone underscores the importance of federal investments in confronting the realities of climate change and protecting New Jersey’s coastline. 

 “This contract award represents our ongoing commitment to safeguarding coastal communities against the increasing threat of severe weather events,” said Colonel Alex Young, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. "Partnering with a capable small business underscores our dedication to supporting local enterprises while delivering essential flood risk management solutions." “Today marks a historic step for climate resilience efforts in New Jersey,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “We are deeply grateful to our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers and our Congressional delegation for their commitment to the completion of this project. More than a decade in the making, this project provides valuable community flood protection against future storms and sea-level rise, while enhancing and protecting the Raritan Bay shorelines and marsh systems that provide critical wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. I am proud to join Congressman Pallone and Colonel Young to celebrate the award of this contract that will enhance climate resilience, create jobs and secure a stronger future for Port Monmouth.”

Pallone’s Bill to Help Coastal Communities Combat Effects of Climate Change Passes House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2019



WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) applauded House passage of legislation he authored to help protect coastal communities from sea level rise and stronger storms caused by climate change. The Living Shorelines Act would create a federal grant program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assist states, localities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in constructing living shorelines. In August, Pallone held an event in Keyport where living shorelines already are strengthening the coastline in New Jersey.

Living shoreline projects use natural materials and systems, including dunes, wetlands, and oyster reefs, to support the natural flood resilience of healthy shoreline ecosystems. Natural infrastructure is cost-effective and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. It also enhances ecosystem functions which can improve water quality and wildlife habitat protection. Certain types of living shorelines can also support carbon mitigation. The Living Shorelines Act passed as part of a package of bills included in H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act.

“The Living Shorelines Act will help us protect our coastal communities from the effects of climate change, including more flooding from sea level rise and stronger hurricanes, by harnessing proven natural infrastructure solutions. The passage of this legislation by the U.S. House sends a clear message to Americans that Congress is serious about protecting coastal communities from the effects of the climate crisis,” Congressman Pallone said. “Since Superstorm Sandy, we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to make my home state of New Jersey more resilient against the effects of climate change. This legislation will provide additional help so communities can use living shorelines to effectively mitigate future flooding while benefiting local economies. Strengthening living shorelines will also improve the local environment by supporting water quality and habitats for local wildlife and fish as well as provide enhanced opportunities for recreation.”

The legislation provides $50 million in federal funds that would be matched by state and local governments and NGOs applying for grants and projects. They would be monitored to measure and help determine best practices for future living shoreline projects. The bill would give priority consideration to projects in areas where a federal disaster has been declared in the past 10 years or that have a history of flooding, which includes New Jersey’s coastal towns. Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“The United States is facing a climate crisis,” said Senator Harris. “As severe storms and flooding become more common – made worse by rising sea levels and increasing temperatures – we must take bold action to protect our coastal communities. And as we take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we must also prepare communities for the climate change impacts we are already facing. That is why I am grateful for Congressman Pallone’s partnership on this issue and I applaud the House of Representatives for prioritizing the creation of living shorelines in order to protect our coasts. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation immediately.”

“As a sponsor of the Senate version of this bill, I want to applaud my friends in the House of Representatives, led by Congressman Pallone, for passing this important legislation. The Living Shorelines Act helps protect coastal communities along Long Island Sound, by sending money to towns that are working on environmentally friendly projects to fortify against future storms and rising sea levels. Senator Harris and I will work hard with our colleagues in the Senate to get this bill across the finish line,” said Senator Murphy.

The legislation has the support of the National Wildlife Federation, the Nature Conservancy, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, American Littoral Society, Restore America’s Estuaries, American Society for Landscape Architects, the Jersey Shore Partnership, Earthjustice, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Blue Frontier Campaign, and the Middlebury Institute’s Center for the Blue Economy.

“We are living in a world of a changing climate. Mr. Pallone’s Living Shorelines legislation will provide support for developing new approaches to protecting our coast that are based in nature,” said Tim Dillingham, Executive Director of the Littoral Society. “Pallone’s bill will empower communities to find ways to live with the water, restoring natural shorelines and habitats while protecting property and communities. We applaud Mr. Pallone for his continued leadership in protecting our coast and ocean, and appreciate the continual development of creative, workable and sound programs that come from his office.”

“Coastal managers have long known that beaches and dunes reduce the risk of flood and storm damage to oceanfront coastal communities while providing ecological habitat and recreation benefits, and the U.S. has wisely invested in maintaining and restoring this critical natural infrastructure. Living shorelines provide these exact same benefits to bayside and estuarine coastal communities but without the same level of support from the federal government. The Living Shorelines Act will help ensure ALL coastal communities can use natural infrastructure to reduced risk from coastal hazards while maintaining wildlife habitat and offering recreation values,” said Derek Brockbank, Executive Director of American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.

“Living shorelines are a proven way to use natural systems to protect shorelines, reduce flooding of both public and private properties, and provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife", said Jeff Benoit, President of Restore America's Estuaries. “The Living Shorelines bill provides a real opportunity to advance the use of this technique to create healthy and productive estuaries.”

“Living shorelines are an important and adaptable tool to help coastal communities become more resilient while improving habitat for wildlife,” said Jessie Ritter, Director of Water Resources and Coastal Policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “In the face of severe storms and flooding, the Living Shorelines Act of 2019 will enable more communities to use nature-based solutions to help protect their coastlines. Importantly, the Living Shorelines Act of 2019 will further demonstrate and measure how living shorelines projects protect communities— ultimately helping us improve their design and effectiveness. Thank you to Senators Harris and Murphy and to Congressman Pallone for their leadership on this critical issue for wildlife and coastal communities alike.”

“The Jersey Shore Partnership applauds the passage of Congressman Pallone’s Living Shorelines Act. This innovative program advances the opportunities to protect our coastal infrastructure by incentivizing a natural complement to ‘hard’ shoreline stabilization methods like stone sills or bulkheads and recognizes the value of living shore lines’ numerous benefits. We applaud and promote this legislation as an important step in advancing shoreline stabilization projects that enhance natural materials that buffer shoreline erosion from coastal storms, support natural habitats, and essential ecosystem functions,” said Margot Walsh, Executive Director, The Jersey Shore Partnership.

ICYMI: Rep. Pallone assists Middletown Veteran in replacing Medals Lost in Sandy

I know Bob Latch, he's and honorable man and I'm glad that Congressman Pallone was able to do this for him.

Pallone, Kennedy, Northeastern Representatives Introduce Legislation to Shield Sandy Gasoline Reserve from Elimination by Trump

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2017


Washington, DC –Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) together with Reps. Michael E. Capuano (D-MA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), William R. Keating (D-MA), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) and Peter Welch (D-VT) today introduced legislation to create in law a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve. The Reserve, which would hold up to one million barrels of gasoline, is critical to ensuring that the region is protected from a disruption in the supply of gasoline due to a natural or manmade disaster.

The Members of Congress stressed that the move was necessary because President Donald J. Trump has moved to eliminate the reserve created in 2014 in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy by President Barack Obama and then-Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz.

“President Trump’s effort to eliminate the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve is as outrageous as it is shortsighted. Given how severely limited access to gasoline was in the wake of Sandy, it is imperative to defend a measure that can save our economy and even save lives in an emergency.

“The legislation we’re introducing will protect the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve from being wiped out by establishing it in law as part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.”

The legislation:

· Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) to create a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) of one million gallons as part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

· Initially covers the states of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire.
· Provides the Secretary of Energy with authority to add additional, contiguous states to be covered by the reserve.

· Permits the Secretary to use the reserve upon a finding by the President that a severe energy supply interruption exists or is likely to exist in the region within the next 30 days.

· Requires the Secretary to sell the gasoline at fair market value with no loss of revenue to the United States.

· Directs the Secretary to transmit to the President and Congress a plan within 60 days of enactment describing the acquisition of storage and related facilities for the NGSR. 

· Authorizes the Secretary to acquire, store, and transport refined petroleum products acquired by either purchase or exchange.

Pallone and Kennedy said that with the 2017 Hurricane season already producing monstrous Atlantic storms like Irma, it was even more critical than ever to ensure that the Northeast had in place a reserve and other mechanisms to make the region more resilient when another storm strikes. They noted that it was particularly important to have a reserve in place in light of the fact that updated predictions by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have called for above average activity this year, including 11-17 named storms, five to nine of which would become hurricanes.

Pallone, who is the Ranking Democratic Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce with jurisdiction over Federal energy policy, said:

“Maybe being whisked to Bedminster by federal vehicles and tax dollars might have caused President Trump to forget the devastation that Sandy brought to New Jersey and the northeastern United States, but we and our constituents have not. Access to gasoline was severely limited in the aftermath of the storm, causing major problems in the region impacting homeowners, businesses and emergency personnel. We learned hard lessons from this experience and put in place a plan to make the region more resilient when another storm strikes.”

Kennedy, who also serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee added:

“After every natural disaster, once rescue and recovery efforts have ended, our country and our government not only reflect on the strength of our response, but study our shortcomings and promise never to repeat them. Once the winds and rains of Sandy subsided, a shortage of gasoline hampered recovery efforts and compounded the suffering of our neighbors throughout the Northeast. If this gasoline reserve is eliminated for political reasons, it will leave our constituents vulnerable and our local governments unprepared when the unexpected arrives again.”

Pallone Applauds Passage of SANDy Act in Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2017




Pallone’s Version of Legislation to Improve Communications Networks during Emergencies Passed the House Earlier this Year


WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) applauded the Senate for passing the SANDy Act, which will help ensure the resiliency of the nation’s communications networks during emergencies. Pallone first introduced the SANDy Act in November 2015 and helped pass it in the House twice.

"The recent disasters across the country have been yet another reminder of how important it is that Congress pass my bill. I therefore applaud the Senate for passing the SANDy Act. This law complements the Resiliency Framework that we crafted with the wireless carriers last year that is already making people safer when disaster strikes. We are fast approaching the five year anniversary of when Superstorm Sandy ripped through New Jersey. We in New Jersey saw firsthand how critical communications networks can be during emergencies. We must do everything we can to be prepared for disasters like Sandy, Harvey, Irma and the wildfires in the West, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to make the SANDy Act law.”

During and after Sandy there was a major breakdown of communications networks, including cellular and home telephones, television, and internet services. This created a dangerous barrier to emergency response and recovery for residents and towns. Pallone’s SANDy Act would make sure all communication providers—radio, TV, Internet, and phone—can fix outages faster, even across state lines. It will recognize the critical role that wireline and mobile telephone, internet, radio and television broadcast, cable, and satellite services play during emergencies by providing priority access to otherwise restricted areas during emergencies like other utilities, to help them repair and maintain their communications equipment during disasters. It would also begin a process to provide 911 services over Wi-Fi hotspots during emergencies.

Last year, Pallone, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and CTIA, together with wireless providers AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon announced an agreement that wireless providers will share information and advance wireless network resiliency before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. The Framework is also supported by the Competitive Carriers Association and its members. The agreement provides for reasonable arrangements for roaming during disasters when technically feasible, fostering mutual aid during emergencies, enhancing local governments’ preparedness and restoration, increasing consumer readiness and preparation, and improving public awareness and stakeholder communications on service and restoration status by providing public information on actual outages for given disasters or emergencies. The Framework is also supported by the Competitive Carriers Association and its members. That agreement has already made a difference in improving communication during recent storms.

Pallone Statement on Cruz Claims on Sandy Relief Aid

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2017



Washington, DC- Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) made the following statement following Senator Ted Cruz’s August 28, 2017 comment on the 2012 and 2013 votes for Sandy relief aid.

“In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, some of my Congressional colleagues chose politics over the needs of disaster victims. Never before has our nation refused to come together and provide the needed resources to recover and rebuild, yet the victims of Sandy were forces to wait for months. Yet, many of my Republican colleagues from Texas, led by Senator Cruz, voted against the Sandy relief package, claiming it was filled with “pork” unrelated to disaster relief. These so-called “pork” provisions included funding for mitigation efforts, flood control projects, and rebuilding critical infrastructure. The Washington Post called that claim ‘wildly incorrect.’

“Today these same Members of Congress represent constituents who will need help for months and years to come as they recover from Hurricane Harvey. I firmly believe that responding to natural disasters is what should bring us together as a country, and I look forward to doing my part in ensuring the impacted states get the resources they need. We must also understand that storms like Hurricane Harvey and Superstorm Sandy will be more frequent and more severe as we continue to see the increased impact of climate change, and we must redouble our efforts to address global warming. It is my hope that our collective response to Hurricane Harvey serves as a model of how we should, and will, address devastating storms in the future.”

Pallone and Pascrell Introduce Bipartisan Flood Insurance Reform Bill in the House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2017


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Frank Pallone (NJ-06) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) introduced the bipartisan Sustainable, Affordable, Fair and Efficient National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (SAFE NFIP) of 2017. The bill protects policyholders from skyrocketing premiums and reauthorizes the NFIP for six years, while also reforming current practices. Those reforms include: improved flood mapping, greater affordability, and increased oversight of the program.

Last month Pascrell and Pallone announced their support for the Senate version of the SAFE NFIP Act, which was spearheaded by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), and their intention to work with House colleagues to introduce companion legislation.

The Congressmen have been leaders in demanding transparency and swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from inefficiencies and widespread fraud in the National Flood Insurance Program, and have championed the need for reforms of the program.

The legislation would take concrete steps to improve quality and accountability in the National Flood Insurance Program by implementing the following policies:

- Provide long-term certainty, reauthorizing the NFIP for six years.

- Protect policyholders from excessive rate hikes, capping annual premium increases to 10 percent.

- Reinvest in proactive mitigation efforts that have a 4:1 return on investment, with some projects enjoying a 54:1 return on investment.

- Fund new Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for more accurate mapping of flood risks across the country.

- Provide FEMA with greater authority to terminate contractors that have a track record of abuse.

“Superstorm Sandy devastated many communities in my district. In the wake of the storm, too many of my constituents found that, after responsibly paying for their flood insurance, their policy failed to provide the coverage they needed and deserved when they needed it the most. Many were prevented from repairing their homes and resuming their lives by a claims review process that moved too slowly and was riddled with fraud. As this was happening and people were suffering, the flood insurance companies made record profits.” said Rep. Pallone. “The SAFE NFIP Act takes concrete steps to make the program more affordable, increase oversight and transparency of the flood insurance companies, invest in mitigation efforts, and reform the claims process using lessons learned from Sandy. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight for this bill and our constituents.”

“Too many New Jerseyans were left holding the bag in the wake of Superstorm Sandy,” said Congressman Pascrell. “In many cases, it took years for them to work through the claims review process to repair the damage done to their homes, businesses, and lives. As my constituents suffered, we learned this slow process was rife with fraud, abuse, and waste. Now, with Congress set to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, New Jerseyans deserve to know their representatives are fighting for their interests in Washington. Unlike thepartisan legislation coming from some corners in the House, the bipartisan SAFE NFIP Act makes needed reforms based on the lessons learned from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. The SAFE NFIP Act creates investments in pre-disaster flood control and mitigation efforts, increases oversight and transparency of the flood insurance companies, and reforms the claims process in order to help protect New Jersey families in the future.”

In 2012, Superstorm Sandy devastated New Jersey and other states along the Eastern Seaboard, causing tens of billions of dollars in economic losses, and destroying or damaging hundreds of thousands of homes. The recovery of many New Jerseyans has been hindered by FEMA’s handling of the Sandy Claims Review Process. According to the FEMA, 16% of claims in the review process remain open. So far, policyholders have received $217,320,492 in additional payments from FEMA.

Congressmen Pallone and Pascrell will continue to work with their colleagues on both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Capitol to make meaningful improvements to the flood insurance program. The House bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Albio Sires (NJ-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10).Congress must reauthorize the NFIP, which expires on Sept. 30, 2017.

Pallone & Pascrell Announce Support for Comprehensive Flood Insurance Reform Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2017


Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) announced their support for the Sustainable, Affordable, Fair and Efficient National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (SAFE NFIP) of 2017, and their intention to work with House colleagues to introduce companion legislation. The Congressmen have been leaders in demanding transparency and swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from inefficiencies and widespread fraud in the National Flood Insurance Program, and have championed the need for reforms of the program. The bipartisan legislation was announced today by Senator Bob Menendez and will take important steps to contain premium increases, provide premium affordability assistance and reform the process by which claims are reviewed.

“In the aftermath of Sandy many of my constituents found that, after responsibly paying for their flood insurance, their policy failed to provide the coverage they needed and deserved in their time of need. Many were prevented from repairing their homes and resuming their lives by a claims review process that moved too slowly and was riddled with fraud,” said Rep. Pallone. “Reforming the NFIP will allow us to increase the affordability of flood insurance and make it more effective when disaster strikes. That is why we look forward to working with our colleagues and championing companion legislation when it is introduced in the House of Representatives.”

“After seeing the devastation of Superstorm Sandy and all the challenges New Jerseyans faced in its aftermath, I know that getting the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program right is a crucial aspect of preparing for a future storm” said Rep. Pascrell. “Reauthorization provides us with an opportunity to level the playing field for policy-holders, address waste, fraud, and abuse in the program, and bolster investments in mitigation to create real savings for policy-holders and long term stability for the program. That is why I look forward to working with my colleagues to introduce and pass companion legislation in the House of Representatives.”

The legislation includes:

The Sustainable, Affordable, Fair, and Efficient (SAFE)

NFIP Reauthorization Act of 2017

Long-Term Certainty. Reauthorizes the NFIP for six years, providing certainty for communities.

No Exorbitant Rate Hikes. Ends runaway premium hikes by capping annual increases to 10 percent. Currently, premiums increase by up to 25 percent every year, depressing property values, creating affordability challenges, and discouraging participation in the program.

Cuts Wasteful Expenses to Pay for Investments. Freezes interest payments and establishes new controls for private insurance company compensation in order to reinvest in proactive mitigation efforts and affordability measures, including low-interest loans for homeowners’ mitigation projects and affordability vouchers.

Strong Investments in Mitigation. Provides robust funding levels for large-scale, communitywide mitigation efforts, and mitigation assistance programs, which have a 4:1 return on investment and are the most effective way to reduce flood risk.

Expanded Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage. Increases the maximum limit for ICC coverage to better reflect the costs of mitigation projects and expands eligibility in order to encourage more proactive mitigation before natural disasters strike.

LiDAR Mapping. Authorizes funding for Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for more accurate mapping of flood risk across the country, reducing confusion and generating better data.

Oversight of Write Your Own (WYO) Companies. Caps compensation for WYO companies to 22.4 percent of written premiums, creates new oversight measures for insurance companies and vendors, and provides FEMA with greater authority to terminate contractors that have a track record of abuse.

Claims and Appeals Process Reforms Based on Lessons from Sandy. Fundamentally reforms the claims process based on lessons learned after Superstorm Sandy and other disasters, leveling the playing field for policyholders during appeals and litigation by holding FEMA to strict deadlines for payments to homeowners, banning aggressive legal tactics that prevent homeowners from filing legitimate claims and ending FEMA’s reliance on outside legal counsel from expensive for-profit entities.

Better Training. Provides for increased training and certification of agents and adjusters to reduce mistakes and improve the customer experience.

Pallone Statement on Fourth Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy

 

For Immediate Relsease:
Oct 28, 2016

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. released the following statement today on the upcoming fourth anniversary of Hurricane Sandy making landfall on the New Jersey coastline.

“As we look back on the four years since Superstorm Sandy changed the lives of so many in New Jersey, I am inspired by the resiliency of my neighbors and also focused on the work left to do to achieve a full recovery. From my first moments on the ground witnessing the damage Sandy wrought in New Jersey, I have remained committed to helping our communities rebuild and better prepare for future storms like Sandy. But I know that so many New Jerseyans are still struggling to rebuild their homes, and towns continue to work to rebuild critical facilities and infrastructure. There is much work still to be done.

“I will continue to do everything within my power to both help New Jersey rebuild and to prepare for future storms, and will continue to fight for critically needed reforms to the National Flood Insurance program, and many other recovery programs.”

“Just last week, I was proud to announce the second phase of construction for the Army Corps project at Port Monmouth, an important continuation of the Sandy recovery effort that will provide much needed protection from future storms.”

Congressman Pallone was a leader in the effort to authorize $60 billion in Superstorm Sandy relief funding, which was signed into law in January 2013. The funding package included federal aid to help homeowners, businesses, and communities recover, and resources to rebuild coastal, transportation, and water infrastructure.

Earlier this month, Pallone unveiled legislation, the Flood Insurance Reimbursement Standards Transparency (FIRST) Cap Profits Act, which would require increased oversight and transparency of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and to cap the profits of private companies providing flood insurance.

CBS News Superstorm Sandy in Belmar Coverage / Matt Doherty for Monmouth County Freeholder

This 2012 video from CBS News documenting the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and the recovery efforts put forth by Belmar Mayor, Matt Doherty, is one of the best reasons I can think of to be voting him on November 8th for Monmouth County Freeholder.

He was a true leader for the residents of Belmar then (and now) and will be for the residents on Monmouth County once elected.




If you haven't seen Doherty's recent campaign commericals which have been running on various cable channels, you can do so below.


Matt Doherty for Monmouth County Freeholder

Reps. Pascrell, Pallone Call for State Action on Mismanagement of Superstorm Sandy Funds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2016


Congressmen who called for audit showing mismanagement request State action to protect residents

MOONACHIE, N.J. – Today, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06) hosted a press conference in Moonachie, NJ calling on the State to respond to the findings of improper management, oversight, and disbursement of federal recovery dollars to Hammerman & Gainer Inc. in a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Inspector General OIG audit. The Congressmen also sent a letter calling on Governor Chris Christie to proactively address the documentation issues the HUD Office of Inspector General notes in its audit; ensure Hammerman & Gainer is held accountable for every dollar it improperly spent; and implement oversight programs to adequately administer future disaster fund contracts.



"We want answers for the folks who were left without homes," said Pallone and Pascrell. "We want answers because this federal funding was spent improperly. We want answers and we want action to ensure this doesn't happen again when the next storm hits New Jersey."

In January 2014, Reps. Pascrell and Pallone wrote a letter to HUD requesting they investigate the State’s contract with Hammerman & Gainer. The HUD Office of Inspector General conducted the audit because the contract involved a significant amount of funds, was critical to the implementation of three of the State’s disaster programs, and was terminated less than one year into the three-year contract. The audit concluded that New Jersey did not use federally accepted controls, overspent on real estate and labor, and dozens of expenditures were submitted without receipts or not authorized by compliance officers.

The HUD Office of Inspector General audit is available here.

Today’s letter can be found below:


Dear Governor Christie,

As you know, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report this week after investigating the State of New Jersey's contract with Hammerman & Gainer Inc. (HGI) to distribute Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds after Hurricane Sandy. In light of the revelations and recommendations included in the report, we are writing to express our strong concerns with the State’s oversight of this contract. Additionally, we urge you to fully account for CDBG-DR funds spent by HGI and ensure that HGI pays back any funds that HUD determines must be returned. New Jersey taxpayers should not be on the hook to repay federal funds because of HGI’s mismanagement or your Administration’s inadequate oversight.

As you know, Hurricane Sandy housing recovery programs are funded with federal CDBG-DR dollars provided through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which became law on January 29, 2013. These funds were to be spent on expenses related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, and economic revitalization in the most impacted and distressed storm-affected areas. However, throughout the Sandy recovery process, there have been numerous complaints of a lack of transparency in the selection criteria and distribution process of certain CDBG-DR funded programs in New Jersey.

In January 2014 we wrote a letter to HUD because we were concerned about this lack of transparency and accountability. More specifically, we requested that HUD investigate the manner in which New Jersey’s contract with HGI, the firm handling the largest Sandy recovery program, was terminated.

The HUD OIG report resulting from this request concluded that New Jersey did not disburse disaster funds to HGI in accordance with HUD and other federal requirements. Specifically, the report notes that your Administration “did not ensure that (1) disbursements met a national objective, (2) expenses were incurred after the contract was executed, (3) other direct costs were fully supported and the prices paid were fair and reasonable, (4) labor costs were fully supported, (5) travel costs were fully supported, and (6) disbursements were for costs that were reasonable and necessary.” The report highlights this happened because New Jersey “did not have adequate controls in place to administer its contract and monitor contract performance and was not fully aware of Federal procurement and cost principle requirements.”

As a result, we urge you to proactively provide HUD with the proper documentation necessary to demonstrate that the federal dollars paid to HGI were eligible, supported, reasonable, and necessary. Further, we urge you to ensure HGI is held accountable for any improper funds it was paid, not New Jersey taxpayers. Finally, we urge you to put in place adequate controls to administer future disaster recovery funds so New Jerseyans can swiftly receive the support they need to put their lives back together after an extreme weather event.

We fought hard to ensure that New Jersey got its fair share of federal disaster recovery dollars after Sandy, which is why it is disappointing that the State did not do all it could have to ensure these funds were spent in compliance with federal requirements. The New Jerseyans who struggled to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy deserved better. Thank you for your attention to this request, and we look forward to your response.

Pallone, Waters and 21 Colleagues Demand FEMA Provide Oversight of National Flood Insurance Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2016



WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), and 21 of their colleagues sent a bipartisan letter asking that FEMA fulfill its legal obligation to provide oversight of the private insurance companies that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other recent disasters, FEMA and NFIP have faced accusations of incompetence and fraud. A recent PBS Frontline documentary entitled, “The Business of Disaster” examined failures with flood insurance in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Investigators concluded that private insurers made more than $400 million in profits from FEMA in the year that Hurricane Sandy devastated the Atlantic coast – its highest profit in the 4-year period from 2011 to 2014. At the same time, many of those insurers were underpaying or outright denying legitimate flood insurance claims. FEMA did not know how much these companies were making in profits. The journalists had to do their own research to find out.

In 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act, which, among other things, directed FEMA to monitor the expenses and profits of insurance companies participating in the NFIP. Four years later, FEMA has not promulgated the necessary rules to enforce this provision.

“It is shameful that private insurance companies have profited from Sandy while failing to meet their basic obligations under the NFIP. It is inexcusable that FEMA has failed to provide proper oversight of those entities - especially when Congress has already empowered and required the agency to do so,” said Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to ensure that policy holders are treated fairly and charged a fair market price for the service they purchase, and it better get to work.”

“As homeowners struggle to rebuild their lives in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other catastrophic storms, it’s imperative that the National Flood Insurance Program conduct proper oversight of private insurance companies that participate in the program,” said Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee. “We are calling on FEMA to act swiftly and ensure it is not inappropriately compensating companies at the expense of policyholders.”

In May, Pallone led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

After that letter was sent, Pallone and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) met with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to demand that FEMA take swift action to process claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy. At the meeting, Wright stated that FEMA would have the unprocessed claims finished by the end of the summer.


Text of the letter can be found...  HERE

Monitoring Station to be Installed in Raritan Bay with Federal Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2015



WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced a monitoring station will be installed in Raritan Bay thanks to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

“I am glad to announce this grant to allow for closer monitoring of the wetlands of Raritan Bay, which will help protect the surrounding coastal communities,” said Congressman Pallone. “Healthy wetlands play an integral role in protecting against extreme weather effects of climate change, including flooding and storm surges. As we learned from Superstorm Sandy, we must act to mitigate the effects of the next storm, and this grant is an important step.”

The project is made possible as part of a $393,700 EPA grant to DEP to improve the availability and accessibility of data on the health and condition of New Jersey’s wetlands. The grant to DEP from EPA is part of a $1 million EPA grant for various wetland protection projects in New Jersey.

Pallone Statement on Third Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy

“Three years ago, when Superstorm Sandy hit our coast, people lost their lives, homes and businesses were destroyed, and local infrastructure was devastated. I will never forget my first moments on the ground touring the damage Sandy wrought in New Jersey – like the homes that were battered to the ground in Union Beach and the whole business section on Bay Avenue in Highlands that was under water.

“I knew then that I needed to begin the hard work to bring the necessary support and resources to our state to help New Jersey rebuild, and that is why I fought hard in Congress to pass the Sandy relief package and to secure the aid needed to help victims put their businesses, homes and lives back together.

“I promised that I would keep fighting with you until we achieved a full recovery. The strides we have made over the course of the last three years are inspiring. It has not been easy, but I am encouraged to see residents returning to their homes, businesses reopening their doors, and construction under way throughout our communities.

“Yet, three years later the work is not nearly done, and the recovery has not happened as quickly or efficiently as it should. We still have homes to repair and businesses to bring back. We must not allow these challenges to bring despair, but rather they should fill us with hope and refocus our resolve and efforts on the work left to be done.

“While we continue to recover from Sandy, we must also look ahead to ensure we are better prepared for future storms. With resources made available by the federal Sandy Aid Package, buyouts of homes in Sayreville and Woodbridge have brought relief to homeowners who have repeatedly suffered and struggled to put the pieces back together after each flood. With the aid package, the Army Corps of Engineers has made great progress on improving our coastal infrastructure. Beaches from Sea Bright to Asbury Park have been replenished, while critical flood control projects in the Bayshore have moved forward. These, and other successful coastal infrastructure projects, have made our state more resilient and will help protect our communities from future storms. As we look ahead to the next three years, and the years and decades beyond, we have an opportunity before us – an opportunity to continue bringing our communities and our state closer to full recovery, and making it a better, stronger and more resilient place.

“As I visit towns throughout the district, I am always inspired by the resilience of the people of New Jersey. Their toughness and spirit is not only the motivational force behind my efforts to fight for Sandy aid in Congress, but helps guide all of the work I do in Washington on behalf of our state’s residents and communities.”

Pallone’s Superstorm Sandy Forum Takes a Critical Look at Lessons Learned and Progress Made

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2015


Congressman Pledges to Use Powerful Committee Position to Ensure Improved Disaster Preparedness

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, held a Superstorm Sandy Field Forum with local officials, industry leaders and senior FirstNet representatives to take a critical look at lessons learned and progress made with public safety telecommunications since the hurricane. During and after Sandy there was a major breakdown of telecommunications networks, including cellular and home telephones, television, and internet services. This created a dangerous barrier to emergence response and recovery for residents and towns.

“When Sandy struck, I promised that I would keep fighting with you until we completely rebuilt. I vowed to roll up my sleeves to restore our area to greatness,” said Congressman Pallone in his remarks to open the event. “Three years later that fight unfortunately is not over—we still have a lot more work to do. We still have homes to replace. We still have businesses to restore. At the same time, we must also look ahead. We need to understand the lessons that Sandy taught us to make sure we are better prepared. That is why I called for this forum to focus on the services that keep us connected when we need it most.”

In his new role as the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Pallone reiterated his commitment to use his position and the broad jurisdiction of the Committee, which includes telecommunications and broadband issues, to ensure increased safety and disaster preparedness.

“Unlike three years ago, today I am here as the Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee,” continued Pallone. “My committee is responsible for overseeing the industries that are most crucial during a storm—the industries that must keep our power flowing; the industries that make sure we have adequate health care; and the industries that keep us connected when the worst occurs. As the Ranking Member of a Committee with such broad jurisdiction, I pledge to use every resource at my disposal to make sure we are better prepared than we were three years ago.”

Following Pallone’s opening remarks, local officials, including two mayors, discussed their experience during Sandy, with a focus on telecommunications, broadcast, social media, and first responder communications. Next, panelists from the telecommunications and energy industries were questioned by Pallone on what happened during Sandy, lessons learned, and steps that have been taken to improve their systems. To round out the forum, Pallone sat with FirstNet and JerseyNet officials to discuss the failure of interoperability and other public safety communications during Sandy, what FirstNet can do to solve the problem, and FirstNet’s progress in New Jersey.

Participants in the Local Roundtable were Susan Howard, Mayor of Monmouth Beach; Fred Tagliarini, Mayor of Aberdeen; John Ferguson, Middlesex County OEM Director; and Adam Hubeny, Business Administrator, Atlantic Highlands. Participants in the Industry Panel were Paul A. Sullivan, President, Mid-Atlantic North region, Verizon; Dave Davis, President & General Manager, WABC; Dan Finn, SVP/Regional General Manager, Greater Media; Justin Auciello, Founder, Jersey Shore Hurricane News; Ananda Kanapathy, Senior Director of Asset Strategy, PSEG; and Tony Hurley, VP of Operations, Jersey Central Power and Light. Participants in the FirstNet panel were T.J. Kennedy, Acting Executive Director, FirstNet; and Fred Scalera, Public Safety Broadband Manager, Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness, State of New Jersey.

Bayshore Village Get Federally Backed Funding For Redevelopment

Middletown Public Information;
May 26, 2015

Middletown Senior Community Ravaged by Sandy Receives Federally Backed Funding for Redevelopment

Lawrenceville-based Community Investment Strategies (CIS) was recently awarded funding from the Board of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) as part of its $180 million in federal Sandy recovery funds. CIS was awarded with the largest grant in Monmouth County and the second largest on a per-unit basis overall for its Bayshore Village community in Middletown – a proposed 110-apartment community for seniors.

HMFA awards were granted to support the creation of 1,500 housing units in the nine New Jersey counties designated as the most impacted by Superstorm Sandy. According to HMFA, funding is made possible with federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery dollars through the Fund for Restoration of Multifamily Housing (FRM) Program, which was created following Superstorm Sandy to provide qualified housing developers with subsidies to finance affordable housing.

Before Supertstorm Sandy, Bayshore Village, owned by Middletown Senior Citizens Housing Corp., consisted of 96 one-bedroom apartments in 12 buildings. Located in one of the hardest hit areas in the region affected by Superstorm Sandy, five buildings were rendered a total loss by the storm. CIS is redeveloping the community in collaboration with the Middletown Senior Housing Corporation to rebuild 110 one- and two-bedroom senior housing units to address area market demands.

“Bayshore Village is the only low-income community in Monmouth County impacted by Sandy to such a large extent,” said Christiana Foglio, founder and CEO, CIS. “Our goal is to help rehouse seniors who lost their homes and give them a chance to thrive in a state-of-the-art, thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient community that offers all the modern amenities while being a safe and comfortable place to call home.”

According to project manager Barbara Schoor, vice president of CIS, the extent of the damage to Bayshore Village, particularly its location within the flood plain, contributed to receiving such a significant HMFA award – and served as the foundation of CIS’ redevelopment plans for the property.

“We will rebuild Bayshore Village several feet above flood elevation regulations,” said Schoor. “We also plan to incorporate various resiliency features into the design – something CIS has been at the forefront of since our involvement in the Enterprise Community Partners’ program aimed at recovering, rebuilding and reforming the way builders plan post-Sandy.”

“Superstorm Sandy devastated Bayshore Village, leaving seniors with limited incomes in great need of affordable housing,” said Middletown Mayor Stephanie C. Murray. “We’re looking forward to having Bayshore Village restored so that it can continue to be one of many housing opportunities available in Middletown Township.”

PRC Management Group is currently managing the property as it exists and, according to Schoor, will work with residents currently living there to assist them with the relocation process prior to construction, which is expected to begin in late summer.

Pallone Announces Completion of Federal Dredging Project in Belford

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced the completion of the dredging of the Shoal Harbor and Compton Creek federal channel in Belford, New Jersey. The project, which began in February, was completed with federal funds from the Sandy relief package that Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.

“Projects like this, to help us come back stronger than ever from Sandy, are vital to the Jersey Shore economy,” said Congressman Pallone. “With the dredging complete, boaters and businesses, like the Belford Seafood Co-op, that depend of the navigability of these waterways will benefit.”

The Army Corps of Engineers contracted with M.E.R.I.T. Inc., a small business located in Newark, for $3.4 million to complete the project. With the federal funding, approximately 135,000 cubic yards of material were dredged from the Compton Creek and Shoal Harbor channel in order to maintain accessible waterways after Superstorm Sandy.

Pallone Announces Nearly $2.5 Million for Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority Repairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today announced an additional $2,473,024.95 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to the Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority (BRSA) to repair Superstorm Sandy damage to Blower Building Two.

“Sandy severely damaged critical components of infrastructure at BRSA, and this grant will help make necessary repairs still affecting the Bayshore’s sewerage system,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am pleased to see grant money continuing to come in to help BRSA with a full recovery from the storm, and I will continue to work to see that they receive the funds they need.”

BRSA serves Hazlet, Union Beach, Holmdel, Aberdeen, Keansburg, Keyport, Matawan and parts of Marlboro. BRSA suffered extensive flooding as a result of Sandy causing damages of about $20 million. This grant to BRSA is awarded in addition to three FEMA grants, totaling nearly $20 million, announced in 2013, to repair damage done to sewerage incinerators at the facility, the raw sewage main pump station and three surrounding facilities.

Congressman Pallone has visited BRSA to discuss the damage sustained during Sandy and the critical repair work necessary to repair this important infrastructure. Hurricane Sandy flooded the 24-acre facility with up to 3 feet of water, and the Authority lost electric power for seven days, phone service for two weeks and internet for three weeks.

Pallone Meets With FEMA to Discuss Insurance Fraud Allegations

Highlights need for outreach from FEMA to policyholders who may have been defrauded

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and other members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation met with Brad Kieserman, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to discuss the recent allegations that private insurance companies denied the flood insurance claims of thousands of Superstorm Sandy victims because of fraudulently altered engineering reports.

Pallone sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate on March 3rd requesting that the agency provide notification of the fraud allegations to flood insurance claimants and establish a process that allows homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe that they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report. FEMA has since agreed to notify all flood insurance claimants about the allegations of fraud.

In the meeting, Pallone stressed the importance of FEMA establishing a notification process in a timely fashion and the need for adequate staff to address corrective action. Deputy Associate Administrator Kieserman committed to setting up this process within 45 days, saying that he would place the initial focus on the 15,964 Sandy-related flood insurance claims that included engineering reports.

“FEMA has a responsibility to inform the public about this fraud and to implement a process to ensure that Sandy victims get the money they are rightfully owed,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am pleased that FEMA is taking these allegations of fraud seriously but I ensured Mr. Kieserman in today’s meeting that I will be staying engaged in this process to make certain Sandy victims are given the opportunity to have their flood claims reviewed.”

Deputy Associate Administrator Kieserman reiterated his commitment to get Sandy victims the money they are entitled to under their flood insurance policy. 74,052 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims have been filed in New Jersey stemming from Sandy damage, but the vast majority of those who have filed claims are likely unaware of the recently uncovered fraud in which engineering reports have been intentionally doctored.

Pallone Announces Release of Study to Improve Coastal Resiliency in New Jersey

Lessons Learned from Superstorm Sandy Can Help Reduce Impact of Future Storms, Climate Change

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released a report detailing the results of a two-year study to address storm and flood risk to vulnerable populations, property, ecosystems, and infrastructure in areas severely affected by Superstorm Sandy.

The study, known as the North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study, is designed to help the federal government, states, and local communities better understand changing flood risks associated with climate change and to provide tools to help those communities better prepare for future storms. Federal funding for this study was provided by the Sandy aid package, which Pallone fought for in Congress.

“I am hopeful that this report will help federal, state, and local governments mitigate the adverse effects of future disasters,” said Congressman Pallone. “This study builds on the lessons we learned from Superstorm Sandy and allows officials to use the latest science and tools to ensure that New Jersey coastal communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change, as well as future storms.”

Through the study, the Army Corps of Engineers has developed a nine-step "Coastal Storm Risk Management Framework," which will help officials identify and reduce risks in their town or state and can be customized for different coastal areas. The report also analyzed the potential impacts of sea level rise on areas effected by Superstorm Sandy and found that more attention must be paid to bayside areas where the effects of sea level change will be felt first.