[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E945-E946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            FLOOD CONTROL STRATEGY FOR THE GREENBRIER BASIN

                                 ______


                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 29, 1996

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, the time for study is over. We must move 
now, today, with a flood control strategy for the Greenbrier River 
Basin. Moreover, we must move forward with a plan that is realistically 
achievable. A plan that does not divide the affected communities. One 
that is economically viable in light of the tight budgets the Federal, 
State, and local governments face.
  Today I am proposing a flood control strategy for the Greenbrier 
Basin that includes both structural and nonstructural elements. This 
strategy does not include the construction of a main-stem dam on the 
river. Frankly, such a project would be difficult, if not impossible, 
to obtain an authorization for by the Congress.
  Instead, I am proposing a strategy that is similar to what we have 
put into place along the Tug Fork River in southern West Virginia. The 
structural elements include the construction of floodwalls where 
necessary. The nonstructural elements include floodplain management 
strategies such as floodproofing and floodplain evacuations where 
absolutely necessary.
  In formulating this approach, I have consulted with the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers, which has raised no objections, as well as with 
local officials. They, as I, agree that the most feasible, the most 
readily achievable,

[[Page E946]]

flood protection strategy for the Greenbrier Basin must be pursued. 
Toward this end, I will be seeking the necessary authorization from the 
Congress for this initiative.

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