Christie, Donovan Present Sandy Report (WNYC)

WNYC
(8/20/2013 5:16 PM, Scott Gurian)

Governor Chris Christie and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan visited a town damaged by Sandy to call attention to a new federal report on how the region should prepare for future storms. Despite the governor’s reluctance to speak about climate change, he did express concern about an increase in severe storms.

"We’ve dealt with a lot in this state, but we’ve learned each time," Christie said, noting that New Jersey has seen three storms that are only supposed to occur once in a hundred years since he’s been Governor. "Our response to whatever comes next will be better if we prepare the right way and work with our partners at the federal and local level to make sure that we have a plan that is really seamless."

A commission created by President Obama, the Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, released its report Monday in Brooklyn.

The findings that were released yesterday include sixty-nine recommendations for guiding the recovery effort and making the region better-prepared for future storms.

Today’s event was held in Little Ferry, NJ, which experienced massive flooding during Sandy when water overflowed the banks of the nearby Hackensack River.

Donovan said Sandy highlighted the importance of making planning decisions on a more regional level. Governor Christie has in the past been opposed to the creation of a Coastal Commission or other efforts that he felt could take away from the uniqueness of individual shore communities.