A presidential declaration would clear the way for federal rebuilding aid.
In a letter sent to the president on Wednesday, Corzine wrote that damages will exceed $49 million. He said emergency funds to restore beaches, dunes and structures are needed immediately to protect lives and homes from further winter storms now that many coastal areas are unprotected.
Corzine said the Nov. 11-15 storm caused extensive erosion in Cape May, Atlantic and Ocean counties.
The nor'easter kept water levels high over several successive tides and has been called one of the worst to hit the Jersey coast in nearly 20 years.
