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WASHINGTON – On Wednesday November 14, Congressman Jon Runyan (R-NJ), Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) sent a letter to the Acting Secretary of Commerce, Rebecca Blank, supporting Governor Chris Christie’s request for disaster assistance for New Jersey fishermen. Hurricane Sandy did an untold amount of damage to the local fishing industry and infrastructure.
"With much of the New Jersey coastline devastated by Sandy, a large portion of the commercial fishing industry was severally damaged and in need of immediate assistance," said Rep. Pascrell. "Many of the communities impacted by the destruction of this historic storm are dependent on a thriving fishing industry, so we must ensure we have necessary federal resources in place to rebuild this critical portion of the region's economy."
“I want to thank Governor Christie for everything he has done for the fishermen of Ocean County and the residents before, during, and after this disaster,” said Runyan. “The fishing communities throughout New Jersey, especially those in Ocean County, have endured a lot of damage and desperately need help from the federal government to ensure their recovery. These communities play a pivotal role in the economy of our state. Our fishing industry needs prompt federal assistance so they can begin to rebuild vital infrastructure. ”
“As the second largest commercial fishing port on the East Coast, the impact from Sandy on South Jersey’s fishermen and economy will be felt long-term as infrastructure must be repaired and fisheries rebuilt. I agree with Governor Christie’s assessment that resources available from the federal government are needed to ensure our fishing industry is fully operation as soon as possible,” said LoBiondo.
“New Jersey has a long history of commercial fishing along our 130 mile shore line and the industry contributes significantly to the economy in the state and coastal communities,” said Congressman Smith. “In addition to devastating homes and lives, Hurricane Sandy has caused tremendous damage to our fisheries and fishing community. I am hopeful that the administration will take the necessary actions to provide immediate disaster relief to those in need to ensure the industry has all available tools to get back on track.”
The fishing industry in New Jersey employs more than 40,000 New Jerseyans and brings billions of dollars in revenue into the state, not just through the fishermen but all of the businesses associated with the industry. In 2011 the fishing industry brought in approximately 175 million pounds of seafood generating more than $1 billion of revenue. Without a thriving fishing industry many local communities will face even greater financial hardships, on top of their own recovery from the hurricane.
A copy of the letter is below:
November 14, 2012
The Honorable Rebecca Blank
Acting Secretary of Commerce
US Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230-0002
Dear Acting Secretary Blank,
We write you today in support of Governor Christie’s request to give New Jersey a federal fisheries resources disaster declaration, and ask that you issue this declaration as quickly as possible so that New Jersey’s fishermen and coastal communities can begin to rebuild. As you are aware, Hurricane Sandy has delivered unprecedented damage to New Jersey’s fishing industry and coastal infrastructure, and the recovery may take years.
New Jersey has one of the strongest commercial and recreational fishing industries on the entire eastern seaboard, and is one the major drivers of New Jersey’s economy, especially in coastal communities. The fishing industry has a wide range of beneficiaries including not only fishermen, but processers, bait and tackle shops, distributors, retailers, and increased tourist revenue due to our thriving recreational sector. In 2011, the industry landed 175 million pounds of seafood generating over $1.3 billion in revenue and supporting more than 40,000 jobs.
It is clear to all that Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey and hit coastal areas particularly hard. New Jersey’s fishing infrastructure is located in these hardest hit areas and sustained significant damage. Federal resources will be needed to help repair the damages, and redevelop our coastal communities.
We again urge you to quickly approve New Jersey’s federal fisheries resources disaster request so that we can begin to rebuild this vital industry. Thank you for taking the time to consider this request.
Sincerely,
Bill Pascrell, Jr.
Member of Congress
Frank LoBiondo
Member of Congress
Chris Smith
Member of Congress
Jon Runyan
Member of Congress
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