Politics & Government

VIDEO: Gov. Promises 'Gentle Pressure' on Utility Companies

Christie said progress has been made to restore power, but doesn't want companies to 'lose focus.'

Gov. Chris Christie said he would keep "my type of gentle pressure" on the heads of New Jersey utility companies until electricity has been restored to all residents.

Speaking in Manville, after touring the flood-ravaged borough and a Red Cross emergency shelter housing about 300 area residents, Christie said more than 600,000 New Jersey residents remain without power Monday after service had been restored to about 250,000.

"I think they're doing pretty well, but the reason I'm talking to them is that I don't want them to lose focus," he said.

Find out what's happening in Warrenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Christie also said he had filed for disaster relief funding with the Obama Administration before the hurricane that has been approved by the president.

"The Obama Administration has been fabulous to deal with on this—the president deserves credit for putting really competent people in those jobs and they're executing very, very well," Christie added.

Find out what's happening in Warrenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He said the state will be compiling damage estimates to submit to FEMA for reimbursement.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here