Councilman Amato Seeks FEMA Assistance for Emergency Generators
Congressman Runyan pledges full support to Amato’s efforts……
August 29, 2011, Berkeley – In the wake of Berkeley Township residents being evacuated to facilities in Toms River Township during Hurricane Irene, Councilman Carmen Amato said today that federal funding is needed for emergency generators in Berkeley Township so local schools and clubhouses can be immediately converted into emergency shelters in the event of natural disasters or blackouts and residents don’t need to be sent to neighboring towns.
Amato announced he has personally contacted Congressman Jon Runyan, who has agreed to support Berkeley’s application to FEMA.
“First, I want to thank all the police, fire, first responders and volunteers whose hard work and rigorous training made the evacuation for our residents a success,” said Amato. “At the same time, it’s inexcusable that our town doesn’t have the emergency generators necessary to house our own residents within the borders of our own township in the event of a natural disaster like Hurricane Irene.”
While thanking Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher for this town’s support during the evacuation process, Amato said Berkeley needs to be self-sufficient.
“Berkeley Township is 42 square miles and home to 42,000 residents, with miles of waterfront,” said Amato. “Given our size and proximity to water, it’s imperative that we can provide a local, familiar place for our residents in the event this happens again. That is why I spoke to Congressman Runyan personally today and requested his assistance in this regard. I am happy to report that he pledged to support our application with FEMA and work with me to get it approved.”