HOBOKEN — Vice President Joe Biden surveyed hurricane damage in Hoboken Sunday, specifically in and around the PATH station and Hoboken Terminal. Biden was accompanied at a press conference that followed by Congressman Albio Sires, Senator Bob Menedez, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Mayor Dawn Zimmer, and Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno. Vice President Biden arrived in Hoboken after an aerial look at the ravaged shoreline by helicopter, and a stop in Seaside Heights, NJ.
“The devastation is real,” Biden said.
The vice president made it clear at the press conference that his focus is not only to restore the transportation infrastructure, but also make it much more resilient for the future. The PATH station is still down, without a projected date to open.
“We need to make sure commuters get back to work, and we need to get the PATH back in service. But we also need to build beyond that, build for the future. I doubt this will be the last perfect storm the East Coasts sees,” Biden said. “It will occur again. We need to make permanant repairs.”
Biden was described at the press conference as “in many ways a Jersey boy himself, having spent time on the Jersey shore and marrying a Jersey girl.” Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno later added that the Vice President need to “see the devastation for himself, to talk to people on the ground.” Biden stressed his commitment to stay engaged for the long haul. “The president and I are determined, and we’re not going anywhere,” said Biden. “I am absolutely confident that we’re going to come back better, but it is going to be tough in the meantime.”
Congressman Albio Sires said, ” You can sum up all of the comments in one word. Help.”
Mayor Dawn Zimmer addressed the ongoing issue of flood insurance in Hoboken. “The challenging reality is that the government will not cover all of Hoboken’s losses,” Zimmer said. She urged people to donate to RebuildHoboken.org.
Vice President Biden also offered personal thanks to all of the first responders.
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