Gottheimer Joins Sussex and Warren County Leaders, JCP&L Leadership to Address Winter Storm Responsiveness, Power Outages

OGDENSBURG, NJ – Today, Tuesday, January 21, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Senator Steve Oroho, local officials from throughout Sussex and Warren Counties, and leadership from JCP&L to discuss the aftermath of the December 2019 Winter Storm Ezekiel which dropped as much as 14 inches of snow on the area and cut power to more than 30,000 homes.

Throughout Winter Storm Ezekiel, Gottheimer was in close touch with area utility companies and coordinated with state and local officials. Gottheimer also asked the Governor’s office for additional resources, not only for immediate storm response, but also to help communities with clean-up.

“Winter storm Ezekiel was devastating, and, as we discussed today, there are clear steps that need to be taken to better protect our families and communities, especially during peak winter storm season,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I appreciate all the mayors, elected officials, and JCP&L for coming together today for such a productive meeting. I look forward to our continued conversations with all stakeholders on infrastructure improvements, faster forms of communication, and increased response times, so we can better keep our communities safe.”

Also taking part in today’s roundtable were Sussex County Freeholder Director Sylvia Petillo, Knowlton Mayor Adele Starrs, Hardwick Mayor Kevin Duffy, Andover Borough Mayor John Morgan, Stillwater Mayor Lisa Chammings, Ogdensburg Mayor George Hutnick, Ogdensburg Council President Michael Nardini, Byram Councilman, Henry Roseff, Sparta Mayor Jerard Murphy, Hopatcong Mayor Michael Francis, JCP&L President Jim Fakult, JCP&L Area Manager Jackie Espinoza, First Energy Director of Government Affairs Kieran Tintle, Federal Government Affairs Advisor Daisy Letendre, Area Manager for External Affairs Robert Flynn, Cliff Col with JCP&L Communications, and JCP&L Manager of Forestry Rob Walton.