Trenton, NJ –This morning, Governor Christie announced that he is rescinding an order that closed Atlantic City casinos in preparation for Hurricane Sandy, while also lifting the mandatory evacuation order for Atlantic City residents. The Governor was notified by Division of Gaming Enforcement Director David Rebuck that the order reinstating certificates of operation for the twelve casinos was signed within minutes of the Governor’s lifting of the mandatory evacuation order for the residents of Atlantic City, originally issued on October 27, 2012.
The order grants the casinos permission to recommence casino gaming and wagering activities on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Division investigators and personnel have been assigned to each property to ensure compliance with internal control procedures and to complete a final authorization to commence operations.
“The Director has indicated that a complete review and assessment of the status and condition of each casino property, including the casino floors, its equipment, surveillance, security and gaming related computer systems have been completed,” said Governor Christie. “I have extreme confidence in Division of Gaming Enforcement staff as they begin the re-opening process of gaming operations in Atlantic City.”
“This has been an extremely difficult time for the City of Atlantic City and the State of New Jersey,” said Division Director Rebuck. “The cooperation of Governor Christie, state and local officials and the casino executives has been outstanding and we commend all those who have responded and worked with our staff throughout the events of Hurricane Sandy.”
“Maintaining the integrity of casino operations is paramount. We will continue ongoing dialogue with the properties to ensure a smooth and cohesive re-opening as quickly as possible,” said Rebuck
Trenton, NJ –The U.S. Department of Labor announced that it approved Governor Chris Christie’s request for eight (8) New Jersey counties to qualify for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy.
This special assistance program pertains to people in and around portions of New Jersey that were declared a federal disaster area, including Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties. Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for persons, including self-employed individuals, who were living or working in the affected counties at the time of the disaster, and who are unemployed as a direct result of the damages caused by the storm.
At this time, the assistance is available only in connection with those areas declared a federal a disaster area, including Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties. Additional counties may be added to the disaster declaration following continued damage assessments by local officials, representatives of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
If you are unemployed because of the disaster that began on Oct. 28, you should FIRSTfile for unemployment insurance benefits through the Internet by going to www.njuifile.net.
The Internet processes claims faster. However, if needed, people may also file a claim by telephone by contacting the state Department of Labor’s Re-employment Call Centers at:
North Jersey (201) 601-4100
Central Jersey (732) 761-2020
South Jersey (856) 507-2340
A 30-day deadline ending December 3, 2012 is in effect for filing claims resulting from Hurricane Sandy.
For additional information regarding Disaster Unemployment Assistance or for FEMA services please call the FEMA emergency number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Information is also available via the Internet at www.disasterassistance.govand www.fema.gov.
During his press briefing this evening, Governor Chris Christie announced that New Jersey State offices will remained closted on Weds, October 31. Christie said he wants to give the Department of Transportation as well as local authorities another day to clear the roads and the electric utilities another day to restore power to all State offices.
Non-essential employees should not report for their normal day shift tomorrow. Essential employees should report to work on schedule. All notifications are currently being made and coordinated by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management in an expeditious manner.
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Board of Public Utilities as well as various State agencies will continue to monitor the storm and continue statewide cleanup efforts until the event concludes. New Jerseyans are encouraged to comply with orders and guidance from their local emergency management and government officials in preparing for the storm and to avoid any unnecessary risks when the storm makes landfall.
Drivers are advised to stay off of the roads whenever possible and otherwise drive with caution in consideration of the continued threat of downed power lines, trees, branches, and the work of emergency management and utility crews. When necessary, drivers should follow the rules of the road, stay alert and respect the weather elements and the guidance and orders of emergency management and government officials. Unnecessary travel is not recommended.
Posted: October 30th, 2012 | Author:Art Gallagher | Filed under:Chris Christie, Hurricane Sandy | Comments Off on Christie Briefing on Hurriance Damage and Recovery At 7:15
