N.J. lawmakers join Christie call for Obama to OK disaster aid for snowstorm

The state's entire 14-member congressional delegation endorsed Gov. Chris Christie's request for federal disaster aid. Watch video

WASHINGTON -- A day after Gov. Chris Christie sought federal disaster aid to help cover the costs of January's winter storm, the entire 14-member New Jersey congressional delegation asked President Barack Obama to approve his request.

The storm ravaged 17 of the state's 21 counties and caused an estimated $82.6 million in damage.

"The devastation endured by New Jersey residents, business owners, and local governments merits a disaster declaration and emergency assistance," the lawmakers wrote to the president.

"Recovery from this storm has been difficult for New Jerseyans, and we urge you to approve this request as soon as possible to ensure the people of New Jersey can begin to rebuild from this storm and mitigate against future disasters."

U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd Dist.) toured parts of the Jersey Shore after the storm, which caused coastal flooding in some of Cape May County's towns that exceeded the levels during Hurricane Sandy. 

A disaster declaration would make the state eligible for federal funds for the storm, which brought up to 30 inches of snow, plus high winds and flooding, and cut power to around 270,000 homes. Christie said the counties in question suffered around $82.6 million in damages.

Christie sought the disaster declaration for Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties.

He also requested federal funds to help cover the costs of removing and dumping the snow and salting and sanding roads in Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties.

Clear damage met FEMA threshold for federal disaster assistance from storm having toured several #SouthJersey communities, spoke w/ mayors

-- Frank LoBiondo (@RepLoBiondo) February 11, 2016