[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 118 (Thursday, July 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1483-E1484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 THE MERCER COUNTY FLOOD RELIEF EFFORT

                                 ______


                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 1995
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to your attention the 
outstanding coalition of organizations which has been the backbone of 
the relief effort to alleviate the effects of the severe flooding in 
West Virginia's Mercer, Mineral and Nicholas Counties. Mercer County, 
which is in my district, was the hardest hit by the floods. 
Instrumental in aiding the people of Mercer County carry out the 
arduous task of rebuilding and cleaning up has been, the Red Cross, the 
West Virginia National Guard, and a number of local volunteer fire 
departments and rescue squads.
  Mr. Speaker, resident's homes, businesses, schools, and roads have 
been devastated by the high waters. Fortunately, no lives were lost. 
Sifting through the mud and debris, many have struggled to find the 
scattered remains of personal belongings and are in a sense of 
helplessness when assessing the structural damage to their homes. The 
businesses which the residents depend on so dearly for jobs and 
services have suffered heavy damages. There has been damage to city 
halls, police departments, hospitals, and other institutions vital to 
the surrounding communities. Schools have also fallen victim to the 
indiscriminate wrath of the flood waters. Thirteen bridges have given 
way to the mighty waters, and chunks of pavement have been severed from 
the roads. The total amount of damage is estimated to run in excess of 
$7 million. Now, the citizens of Mercer County face the challenge of 
rebuilding their lives.

[[Page E1484]]

  The Red Cross in Mercer County, under the direction of Warren Zorek, 
has been at the forefront of the relief effort. The special teams and 
volunteers sent into the area have proven invaluable to the residents 
of Mercer County's hardest hit localities, providing food, clothing, 
and shelter to displaced and distressed families and individuals. The 
men and women of the Red Cross are currently continuing their efforts 
to get the disabled communities back on their feet and moving again.
  Upon visiting the afflicted areas, Maj. Gen. Joseph Skaff, Adjutant 
General of the West Virginia National Guard, announced that he would 
send personnel and equipment to help in the restoration of Mercer 
County. A total of 16 members, 4 dump trucks, and 4 all-terrain 
vehicles were dispatched to the area to aid in the removal of debris. 
The Guard's assignments were coordinated with the local civilian 
authorities. They have tremendously eased the burden on the residents, 
who have expressed their sincere gratitude for the services that are 
being provided.
  There were also a number of volunteer fire departments and rescue 
squads who evacuated residents, and were on hand to pump the muddy 
waters out of homes. Among them were the East River, Bluewell, Green 
Valley, Glenwood, Oakvale, Bluefield, and Princeton fire departments 
and rescue squads. Their combined numbers totaled more than 150 men and 
women. It is of utmost importance that the members of a community and 
its surrounding areas come together, as the people of Mercer County 
have, in order to overcome such catastrophes. A strong community effort 
can have excellent results despite the dire conditions which may exist.
  Local, State, and Federal officials surveyed the ravaged communities 
of Mercer county. Having heard the stories of the fear and heartache 
which the flood victims suffered, and having seen the damage first 
hand, the State Office of Emergency Services made the request to 
Governor Gaston Caperton that he seek a disaster declaration for the 
area. On July 5, the Governor signed the request for Mercer County to 
be declared a disaster area, and then forwarded it to President 
Clinton. On the same day I sent a letter to the President urging my 
strongest possible support for the disaster relief request, and 
expressed agreement with the Governor in that the disaster is larger 
than can be effectively handled by the State. I am pleased to say that 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved Mercer County for 
Federal relief assistance on July 12.
  The communities are now one step further on the road to recovery, and 
I would like to personally thank the men and women of these 
organizations for the hard work that they have put into this effort. 
Their contributions and good will shall be well remembered by those 
whose suffering and anguish have been lessened by such caring and 
humanitarian people.


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