Minor coastal flooding in New Jesey

SAYREVILLE, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says flooding and other damage caused by a blizzard shows the state needs to build protective sand dunes.

Speaking Saturday at a news briefing in Sayreville, the Republican governor sharply chastised those who are waging a legal fight against the state's plan. He said the dune work should not be hindered by "a few very selfish homeowners" and their "selfish lawyers," citing opposition raised by residents in the coastal towns of Margate and Point Pleasant Beach.

The towns have gone to court to challenge whether the state is justified in using eminent domain to acquire beachfront sites and lots.

Noting there already was "significant water" in the streets of Margate on Saturday morning, Christie said it had gone "up the wall the residents and (city) government says is good enough to protect them from any storm."