Gov. Sherrill visits BJ's roof collapse site as lawmakers question state of emergency plans
Some Republican lawmakers are asking - why not declare a state of emergency to draw on extra resources? The governor defended the state's response.
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Crews are at work in Ocean Township to repair the roof and clean out the BJ’s store after Monday's collapse. Gov. Mikie Sherrill came by Tuesday afternoon to speak with first responders.
A giant crane is over by the section of roof that collapsed Monday morning. Local security told News 12 the building is structurally sound. The store remains closed indefinitely.
(Mayor John Napolitani, of Ocean Township, verified to News 12 this surveillance video, which is now going viral, was taken inside the BJ's during the collapse.)
The governor reacted to the now-viral video of customers running for cover as the roof caved in after heavy rainfall.
“You can just see your family there as something like this happens," Sherrill said. "We're working really hard to make sure that we assess.”
That includes a visit from the Department of Community Affairs to investigate the collapse.
Although the incident at BJ's was the headliner on Monday, Ocean Township first responders were plenty busy. They say they made 74 water rescues across town. Around the state, flooding ravaged businesses and homes, and downed trees have still left thousands without power. One Scotch Plains driver died from a fallen tree.
Some Republican lawmakers are asking - why not declare a state of emergency to draw on extra resources? The governor defended the state's response.
“We have swung into action really aggressively," Sherrill said. "We've called hundreds of people across the state ... We are making sure every single person has the resources, every single group has the resources they need.”
There is an online portal to submit damages for possible federal aid. Sherrill said the state should hit that threshold, but aid is not guaranteed.
Earlier Tuesday, the governor signed a bill that she says will strengthen the grid without charging customers.
“We really need to have a more modern and resilient grid, and so we'll be conducting oversight over the investments made going forward," Sherrill said.
The mayor of Ocean Township says the roof collapse is being investigated, and that many of the items inside the shuttered store were able to be donated locally.
RELATED: Surveillance video captures moment BJ's roof collapses with customers nearby
