Pallone Voices Opposition to Proposed Shift of Sandy Aid to Other Disasters

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) spoke out against reports that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is planning to shift a portion of the Sandy relief package to disasters in other regions of the country. Pallone voiced his opposition to any plan that would divert Sandy funds away from the storm’s victims and their rebuilding efforts in favor of unrelated incidents.

“I am absolutely opposed to any efforts to divert Sandy funds and use those dollars for other purposes elsewhere,” said Pallone. “I fought hard to pass the Sandy aid package in Congress and it was outrageous that storm victims were forced to wait for three months for the bill to pass. Now, it is shocking that Members of Congress from other areas of the country who opposed the relief plan and delayed the funding New Jerseyans needed so desperately to recover are angling to redirect Sandy aid funding to their regions.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, the potential HUD plan could result in the creation of a competitive grant program, allowing regions affected by other disasters to compete for dollars from the Sandy aid package.

“It is disturbing to hear reports that HUD would consider diverting these funds outside of the Sandy-impacted region when so many New Jerseyans are still struggling to recover and rebuild. The State of New Jersey has estimated that Sandy caused $37 billion in damage,” said Pallone. “Sandy funds must be used for Sandy recovery and not one penny of those funds should be diverted. There must be a full and fair assessment of exactly what New Jerseyans still need to recover before there can be any discussion about anything other than restoring normalcy for Sandy victims and rebuilding storm damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure.”

Pallone, who plans to speak with HUD Secretary Shaun Donavan next week, will inform the Secretary of his opposition to the plan to divert Sandy funds and the need for a comprehensive review of remaining funding needs.

“HUD officials appear to be under the mistaken notion that they are required to spend some of the Sandy aid package in regions of the country not affected by Superstorm Sandy. There is no provision in the law forcing HUD to divert funds to areas outside of the Sandy-affected states,” said Pallone.

CURRIE STATEMENT ON CHRISTIE'S ASK THE GOVERNOR RADIO BROADCAST

(Trenton) -- Tonight, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee John Currie issued the following statement on Governor Chris Christie's "Ask the Governor" radio broadcast on New Jersey 101.5 FM:

"Sadly, as predicted, Governor Christie was not interested in answering the pressing questions that New Jerseyans have about the serious failures and potential illegalities of his administration. And, unfortunately, now there are more new questions."

"Was Superstorm Sandy funding used inappropriately? How could George Washington Bridge access bridge lanes have been closed by Christie's top lieutenants without his knowledge, awareness, or even curiosity? And why does he always make state governance an issue about him, personally, not the people of New Jersey?"

"After an hour of screened questions, the only thing we really learned is that Governor Christie thinks the frustrating breakdown of his administration is just a distraction brewed up by others. His continual denial of the scandalous allegations confronting him, not to mention their impact on New Jerseyans, is truly appalling."

Pallone Announces Agreement Signed to Begin Port Monmouth Flood Control Project

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that this morning, Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), signed the Port Monmouth Project Partnership Agreement, the contract between the Army Corps of Engineers and the state of New Jersey formally outlining the terms and conditions of Port Monmouth flood control project. Construction on the project will move forward in the coming months. The project will be constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers with federal dollars from the Sandy relief package passed by Congress in January 2013.

"I am glad to hear that the Army Corps of Engineers and the state of New Jersey have reached an agreement and that construction on this crucial project, which will protect homes and businesses from future flooding, can begin,” said Pallone. “Many in Port Monmouth faced serious flooding during Sandy. All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. I am pleased that this project will finally be underway.”

Pallone announced that the Army Corps of Engineers will address major flood prevention to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township. The plans will include the construction of nearly 7,070 feet of levees, 3,585 feet of floodwalls and 2,640 feet of dune and beach renourishment. The entire $91 million project will be funded by the Sandy relief package and will offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms.

The Army Corps of Engineers will likely begin advertising the first portion of the project in March 2014, with the contract scheduled to be awarded in May 2014. This phase of the project includes dune restoration, beach replenishment, the construction of a terminal groin and extension of the fishing pier, involving roughly 400,000 cubic yards of sand. The larger flood control aspect of the project, which includes levees, floodwalls, a pumping station and a tide gate, is slated to begin construction in 2015.

Star Ledger Editorial: Our thin-skinned governor

Evidently the big guy can dish it out but he's a little sensitive when it comes to himself. The below editorial appeared today in The Star-Ledger and hits the nail on the head when it comes to Christie's hypocritical and contrived outrage over a comment made by his Democratic rival, Barbara Buono that he insists was targeted towards his girth :

In a daring political stroke, Gov. Chris Christie is making a strategic pitch to capture the obese vote in New Jersey.

The strategy is designed to make fat people mad at state Sen. Barbara Buono by claiming that she poked fun at the governor’s weight.

“For me and for other folks across New Jersey – many folks – who are challenged by their weight, the fact that someone running for governor would make derisive comments about someone’s physical appearance is really beneath the office she is seeking. I’m disappointed that she’s done it.”

The catch is this: Buono (D-Middlesex) did no such thing. This is a fake tantrum, a ploy that is so cynical you almost have to admire it. 

The offending comment came during a Buono speech when she criticized the governor for making himself the star of a $25 million ad campaign that is supposed to encourage visits to the Shore. 

Buono criticized his shameless self-promotion with Sandy relief money; not his weight.
Here’s what she said: “I don’t know about you, but seeing Chris Christie frolicking on the beach is not going to drive me to go to the Shore.”

That’s it. You may have expected a reference to the governor’s weight, to his Lap-Band surgery, or to the jelly doughnuts he wolfed down with David Letterman. 

Buono, unlike Letterman, has never criticized the governor over his weight. She was objecting to his shameless self-promotion in the TV campaign, and the fact that the governor’s team agreed to pay $2 million extra for a campaign that ensured the governor would personally appear in the advertisements. 

That kind of self-promotion by a governor is illegal in some states, including New York. And remember, to pay for it the governor dipped into a pot of money earmarked for Sandy victims, many of whom remain in desperate shape.

It was special to hear the governor say that Buono’s comments are “beneath the office she is seeking.” This is a guy who loves to roll in the mud, who calls his critics numbnuts, liars and idiots. 

Who knew he could be so thin-skinned himself?

Video: Gov. Christie says, 'we know what' Buono meant by beach 'frolicking' comment New Jersey Gov. Christie was asked for a second day in a row about comments made by his November election opponent, Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono that he interpreted as being a joke about his weight. Buono says her comment were simply a criticism of his appearance in the 'Stronger than the Storm' television commercials aimed at attracting business to the Hurricane Sandy ravaged Jersey Shore.

 Here's what Baraba Buono actually said:

 

Christie's Shameful Self-Promotion Comes at the Expense of Sandy Victims

Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor


Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono called out Governor Christie yesterday for spending an extra $2 million in recovery funds to secure a starring role for himself in the Hurricane Sandy ad campaign. It's evident that, once again, Governor Christie's top priority is his national ambitions, not the needs of New Jerseyans. See for yourself below...

Christie Storm Ads ‘Unseemly,’ Challenger Buono Says
By Terrence Dopp//Bloomberg
Democrat Barbara Buono, who’s trailing Gov. Chris Christie in her bid to oust the popular Republican as governor of New Jersey, wants him to pay $2 million for his appearance in the trademark “Stronger Than the Storm” ad campaign. Christie selected politically connected PR firm MWW of East Rutherford to run the campaign, aimed at highlighting the Jersey Shore’s post-Hurricane Sandy re-emergence, at a cost of $5 million, the Asbury Park Press of Neptune reported Aug. 4. That bid was more than $2 million higher than the runner-up planned to charge, the paper said. The centerpiece of the $25 million, federally funded advertising blitz is a series of commercials featuring Christie and his family highlighting the state’s coastline as open for business and ready for beach-goers. Buono said Christie should take the money from his campaign account and re-direct it to Sandy relief efforts. “His blatant self-promotion on the road to the White House is always embarrassing, but when it comes at the cost of Sandy victims, it goes too far,” Buono, a sitting state senator and lawyer from Metuchen, told reporters today in a reference to Christie’s suspected presidential aspirations. “It’s wrong. It’s unjust. It’s unseemly.”

Christie's ego trumps financial sense, Buono alleges
By Jarrett Renshaw//The Star-Ledger
Gov. Chris Christie's national ambition knows no limits, his Democratic challenger, Barbara Buono, charged today. When selecting a marketing firm to help entice tourists to return to the Sandy-ravaged Jersey Shore, Christie did not choose the lowest bidder, Buono said at a news conference today. Instead, Buono charged that he gave the winning firm an extra $2 million because it promised to feature his image and voice in television and radio commercials as part of multi-million ad buy. "It is nothing short of outrageous that this governor would put his ego and national ambitions above helping people," Buono said. "He gave $2 million to secure a starring role in the equivalent of a campaign commercial."

Buono calls on Christie to repay funds spent on 'Stronger than the Storm' ads
By Melissa Hayes//The Record
Accusing Governor Christie of “paving the road to the White House,” Barbara Buono called on her Republican opponent to repay the state $2 million for a tourism marketing campaign that prominently features him. The Middlesex County Democratic state senator chastised Christie after touring a Neptune home devastated by superstorm Sandy Wednesday. The state used $25 million in federal funds to hire East Rutherford-based MWW public relations firm to carry out the marketing campaign. The firm, which has ties to both Republicans and Democrats, was not the low bidder, according to a recent report in the Asbury Park Press. The Asbury Park Press found that MWW and its subsidiary are getting $4.7 million for employee compensation and other costs, while The Sigma Group, based in Oradell, bid only $2.5 million. A main difference in the bid packages is that MWW’s “Stronger than the Storm Campaign” prominently features Christie, while The Sigma Group did not propose using the governor in television and radio ads. Buono called the ads “shameless self-promotion,” and said Christie should repay the difference in the two bid prices. “This is a governor who is putting his ego and his national ambition ahead of the victims,” she said standing in front of the home of John Lambert and Lee Ann Newland.

Buono: Christie should pay back money for MWW ad campaign
By Bob Jordan//Asbury Park Press
Saying Gov. Chris Christie is more interested in his national profile than in running New Jersey, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono ripped into the Republican governor today for his administration’s awarding of a marketing contract to a company that used him in its television ads. "The shameless self-promotion is embarrassing. He's paving his road to the White House,” the Middlesex County state senator said during a noon press conference outside a home in Neptune Township. An Asbury Park Press investigation found that MWW, the powerhouse public relations firm with deep political connections in both the Republican and Democratic parties in the state, was awarded a $25 million contract, paid for with federal funds, to help the state advertise its recovery to potential tourists. The ad campaign, Stronger Than The Storm, features Christie and his family in the television and radio ads. Buono said Christie should pay the $2 million difference between the compensation included in the MWW contract and the compensation requested by the losing bidder, the Sigma Group.

Buono: Christie using Sandy ads to boost campaign
By Matt Katz//Philadelphia Inquirer
In a slashing attack accusing Gov. Christie of using the post-Sandy "Stronger Than the Storm" commercials to strengthen his own reelection campaign, his Democratic challenger, Barbara Buono, demanded Wednesday that he repay some of the millions of dollars being spent on the ads. Buono, a state senator from Middlesex County, launched her most direct assault yet on one of the Republican governor's key campaign assets - his shepherding of the state after Sandy - as she stood before a house gutted by the storm and owned by two teachers who say they have yet to receive rebuilding funds from the state. She seized on a weekend report in the Asbury Park Press indicating that Christie picked a high bidder for a federally funded, post-Sandy tourism advertising campaign. Another advertising agency would have cost $2 million less - but that agency didn't plan to make Christie the star of its TV commercials, according to the report. Buono wants Christie to take $2 million of his campaign money and direct it to victims of the storm.

Are the 'Stronger Than The Storm' ads political?
By Matt Katz//Philadelphia Inquirer
New Jersey may be stronger than the storm, as the jingle in the advertisement goes, but Gov. Christie isn't better than the victims of the storm. That's the message Christie's Democratic challenger, Sen. Barbara Buono (D., Middlesex), sought to send Wednesday at a news conference staged in front of a home gutted by Sandy and owned by two school teachers who said they've been denied rebuilding funds from the state. In her most direct attack yet on the Republican governor's chief political strength -- his shepherding of the state after Sandy -- Buono seized on a report last weekend from the Asbury Park Press indicating that Christie picked a high bidder for a federally-funded, post-Sandy tourism advertising campaign. Another advertising agency would have cost $2 million less -- except that agency didn't plan to include Christie in its commercials.

Buono to Christie: reimburse $2 million to the taxpayers
By Max Pizarro//Politicker NJ
Alongside Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono, Lee Ann Newland and John Lambert stood in front of the ravaged wreck of their ranch home here and denounced Gov. Chris Christie’s appearance in a ad ostensibly designed to boost beach tourism in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. “Wathcing the Jersey Strong ads and seeing the governor in them – I’m very disappointed,” Lamber t said. “It doesn’t seem right,” added Newland of the ads, which feature Christie boostering for the shore and cost the state taxpayers $5 million, according to a report in the Asbury Park Press.

Buono Rips Into Christie Over 'Stronger Than The Storm' Ads
By Keith Brown//Patch
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono on Wednesday ripped into Gov. Chris Christie, saying the governor was more concerned about national exposure than helping residents still reeling from superstorm Sandy. At a noon press conference in Neptune Township, Buono met with a Shark River Hills couple whose home was gutted by the October storm and nine months later remains uninhabitable, partly due to lack of state aid money. Buono called on Christie to return $2 million paid to a politically connected public relations firm that produced, with federal money, the "Stronger than the Storm" series of television commercials touting the Shore’s recovery and prominently featuring Christie and his family. The $2 million is the difference between the contract that was awarded and the bid of the losing firm. "This governor has used $2 million in recovery funds not to go to victims of Sandy," Buono said. "But to secure a starring role in what is the equivalent of a campaign ad.’"

New Jerseyans Deserve Grants They Were Promised

In Letter to HUD, Pallone Calls for Changes to Policies Keeping New Jerseyans from CDBG Grants

Long Branch, NJ – In a letter sent today, Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., (NJ-06) called for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan to resolve two roadblocks New Jerseyans are facing in obtaining Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the Sandy aid package.

“New Jerseyans were promised help when Sandy destroyed their homes and businesses, and access to the Community Development Block Grants is instrumental to delivering on that promise. Unfortunately, New Jerseyans are facing road blocks instead of a straightforward process,” said Pallone. “Changes must be made immediately to ensure New Jerseyans won’t have to further delay their recovery, or in the worst case scenario, give up their life savings as a result of an unfair policy.”

Full text of the letter follows:

July 12, 2013 

Honorable Shaun Donovan
Secretary
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20410


Dear Secretary Donovan,


I write today regarding issues homeowners in New Jersey are facing with eligibility for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the Sandy aid package. Availability of this funding to homeowners who face serious rebuilding costs is crucial to a robust recovery in New Jersey.

In New Jersey, many homeowners were told they could begin the process of rebuilding and repairing their home and that the funds spent for these purposes would be eligible for reimbursement with federal CDBG funds provided to the state of New Jersey. However, some homeowners are now being told that money spent on repairs cannot be reimbursed because of a HUD regulation requiring environmental reviews for homes that sustained damage in excess of 50% of the property’s value. I ask that you review and reconsider this requirement so that homeowners who made repairs in good faith can receive the federal assistance they deserve. 

Another issue that has been brought to my attention relates to homeowners who applied for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. New Jersey homeowners are being told that they are not eligible for CDBG assistance if they applied for a SBA loan, even if they ultimately did not accept the loan. After Superstorm Sandy hit, SBA encouraged homeowners to apply for loans even if they were not certain if they wanted a loan. Many New Jersey residents could not afford to repay the terms of a loan and therefore desperately need the assistance being offered through CDBG grants. I do not see this as a duplication of benefits in any way and I ask that you work with SBA to ensure New Jersey homeowners who didn’t accept loans are eligible for CDBG grants. 

Thank you for your attention to these important issues that are central to the rebuilding process in New Jersey. I look forward to working with you to ensure all New Jersey residents have the resources they need to rebuild from this storm.


Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress

Pallone Announces Bill to Help Fishing Industry Recoup Post-Sandy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, April 8, 2013

The First Sandy Supplemental Aid Bill Will Assist in Recovery of Fisheries Disaster and Plug Shortfall in Sandy Relief Package


BELFORD, NJ – Today at the Belford Seafood Co-op, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced his plan to introduce the first Superstorm Sandy supplemental emergency aid bill that will assist the fishing industry and coastal communities badly impacted by the storm. Pallone’s legislation provides $193 million to fully fund the estimated cost to recover storm affected fisheries.

The funding would support both commercial and recreational fishing industries. Recreational fishing infrastructure such as marinas, tackle and bait stores and public access points for fishing that were impacted by Sandy will be eligible for funds under the bill. Pallone spoke today with commercial fishermen to discuss the damage they suffered and what assistance is needed for a full recovery.

“Fishing is a strong contributor to the economy, providing our nation with fresh seafood and recreational opportunities,” said Pallone. “Now, it is our turn to support our fishermen by making a commitment of fisheries disaster assistance that really takes into account the amount of damage they suffered.”

The bill is already gaining traction throughout Congress, with fellow New Jersey Congressman John Runyan (NJ-03) and Long Island Congressman Tim Bishop (NY-01), whose districts were also badly damaged by Sandy, joining Pallone as original co-sponsors of the legislation.

"Eastern Long Island's fishing industry was struggling even before Sandy dealt a devastating blow to the Montauk and Shinnecock fleets," said Congressman Tim Bishop.

“We know the scope of the fishery resource disaster in the Northeast, and now Congress needs to step up to with funding sufficient to ensure the recovery of the Long Island fishery and the families that rely on it.”

“I am pleased to support this legislation which will bring much needed aid to New Jersey fishermen,” said Congressman Runyan. “I am disappointed that NOAAs late release of the estimates precluded us from working to include this funding in the sandy package. However, I will continue to fight on behalf of New Jersey fishing communities to ensure they get the disaster aid they need to recover.”

Last month, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a report detailing the economic and socio-economic effects of Superstorm Sandy on the fishing industry and fishing-related businesses and infrastructure in New Jersey. The report estimated total uninsured losses of $78 million to $121 million for New Jersey’s fishing industry and coastal communities due to Sandy. The impact on the commercial fishing industry, which contributed $2.4 billion to New Jersey’s gross state product in 2011, is estimated to be $14 million. Pallone’s statement on the report can be viewed here.

The funding package passed by Congress in the wake of Superstorm Sandy included only $5 million for fisheries disaster assistance, far below the initial $150 million passed by the U.S. Senate.

“The shore is my home, and I know what fishing means to life here. That’s why I am introducing this bill as soon as I get back to Washington,” added Pallone.

Pallone to Announce Bill to Help Fishing Industry Recoup Post-Sandy

Supplemental Funding will Assist in Recovery of Fisheries Disaster and Plug Shortfall in Sandy Relief Package


(BELFORD, NJ) – On Monday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will  be at the Belford Seafood Co-op, 901 Port Monmouth Road Belford, to announce his plan to assist the fishing industry and coastal communities badly impacted as a result of Superstorm Sandy at the Belford Seafood Co-op. Pallone will also speak with commercial fishermen to discuss the damage they suffered what assistance is needed for a full recovery.

Last month, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a report detailing the economic and socio-economic effects of Superstorm Sandy on the fishing industry and fishing-related businesses and infrastructure in New Jersey. The report estimated total uninsured losses of $78 million to $121 million for New Jersey’s fishing industry and coastal communities due to Sandy. The impact on the commercial fishing industry, which contributed $2.4 billion to New Jersey’s gross state product in 2011, is estimated to be $14 million. Pallone’s statement on the report can be viewed here.

The funding package passed by Congress in the wake of Superstorm Sandy included only $5 million for fisheries disaster assistance, far below the initial $150 million passed by the U.S. Senate. Pallone’s bill appropriates $193 million to fully fund the estimated cost to recover storm affected fisheries.

Pallone & Army Corps of Engineers Announce Progress on Keansburg Beach Replenishment and Flood Control Projects

For those area residents that would like to know what's going on with the flood control project scheduled to begin by the end of the year in Port Monmouth, there's a special meeting tomorrow in Keansburg that you may want to attend.

Congressman Frank Pallone and Colonel Paul Owen, Commander of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will announce details to the Keansburg and Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet flood control and beach replenishment projects that will be completed to restore damage to the Jersey Shore caused by Superstorm Sandy. Congressman Pallone and Colonel Owen will outline the scope and timeline of this critical infrastructure work that will help protect the Jersey Shore from storms through repairs and improvements.

Pallone previously announced that the projects would be funded by the Sandy Aid package that passed Congress in January. This funding will provide an unprecedented investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in beach replenishment and flood protection in the Sixth Congressional District.

The meeting will take place at Keansburg's Waterfront Library. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 12:45pm but you may want to get there a little early to ensure a seat.


Keansburg Waterfront Library
55 Shore Blvd
Keansburg, New Jersey 07734


Friday, April 5, 2013
12:45 p.m.