Rep. Norcross: Drones Don't Appear To Be Targeting South Jersey's Sensitive Facilities

SOUTH JERSEY — Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-1) welcomed the temporary bans on drone flights in several New Jersey locales. But the Congressman said Thursday that they don't appear to be targeting sensitive or critical facilities in South Jersey.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary ban Thursday on drone flights in 22 New Jersey locales. Camden, Winslow Township and Gloucester City — all in New Jersey's 1st congressional district, which Norcross represents — are among them.

"I'm reassured to see the increase in no-fly zones and specialized drone detection equipment aiming to keep drones away from sensitive facilities," Norcross said in a statement. "Additionally, these facilities do not appear to have been inundated with many more sightings than other areas of the state in recent weeks."

The Congressman noted that he received regular national-security briefings as a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Norcross echoed the findings of top federal agencies — that the surge in reported drone sightings seems to be a combination of lawful hobbyists, police drones and manned aircraft getting confused for drones.

The drone sightings emerged in mid-November, with reports of them making nightly flights in different parts of North Jersey. Over the past couple weeks, police in South Jersey have been fielding similar complaints of nighttime drones, which sometimes travel in clusters.

Norcross also said it's time for federal laws to catch up with modern drone technology.

"There are approximately one million drones registered with the FAA, and it's important that we create updated laws to respond to suspicious drone activity effectively," Norcross said. "Finally, to all my constituents, I hear your concerns and will continue working swiftly to address them. Your safety will always be my top priority in Congress."

Norcross, a Democrat, has represented the 1st congressional district since 2010.