Assemblywoman Annette Quijano issued the following statement Wednesday thanking federal legislators for securing more than $2.5 million in Sandy recovery funding to purchase portable generators that will allow gas stations to continue normal operation during a power outage. The funding goes hand in hand with legislation (A-1338) she is sponsoring to provide stations near major roads and highways with zero-interest loans that would facilitate the installation of wiring for the generators:
“First and foremost, I must thank Sens. Menendez and Booker for their tireless efforts to stand up for the people of New Jersey down in Washington and for having the foresight to help ensure that the frenzied gas lines we saw after Superstorm Sandy never happen again,” said Quijano (D-Union).
“The grave reality is that devastating natural disasters like Sandy are not isolated events; we know full well that another storm of that magnitude can hit our state in the future. That said, while we hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst. These federal dollars will help enable gas stations to provide New Jersey families with the means to stay safe – whether that means fueling their vehicles so that they can evacuate or keeping a portable generator going at home.
“After Sandy, several stations were without the electricity necessary to pump their gas. In preparing for future disasters, supplying stations with generators is just as important as making sure they are equipped to use them. As such, legislation that would permit the state to provide loans so that gas stations can install the appropriate wiring is so important. Above all else, this is a matter of our residents’ safety. Knowing what can happen when we are ill-equipped, we ought to take all feasible precautions to promote readiness and prevent unnecessary distress. This bill is a crucial element of that process.”