[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1423]]



                WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1996

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOE SCARBOROUGH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 1996

  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Water 
Resources Development Act of 1996 which is being considered under 
suspension of the rules. It is my hope that my colleagues will support 
this bill and that it will be conferenced soon and sent to the 
President for his prompt signature.
  I would like to take this opportunity to commend Chairman Shuster and 
his staff for their work on behalf of a very important project in my 
district. As my colleagues are aware, last year's hurricane season was 
especially rough on the beaches of the Florida Panhandle. We took 
direct hits from two major storms, Hurricanes Opal and Erin. Major 
damage was inflicted on northwest Florida with the most severe 
destruction appearing along the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of 
Mexico.
  Panama City Beach sustained a considerable amount of damage to 
structures along the beach as well as to the beach itself. Since before 
1970, Panama City Beach has suffered damage due to storms and erosion, 
a significant portion due to federally sponsored activities. In October 
1995, Hurricane Opal aggravated the deterioration of the beach 
significantly by washing away millions of cubic yards of sand and 
destroying over 1,000 homes and exposing upland development to damage 
from future storms.
  The community has been seeking Federal help since 1970 but has yet to 
see a single dollar. It has, however, received the commitment of over 
$10 million from the State of Florida as well as the commitment of 
local funds. Unfortunately, as of yet, the Federal share has not been 
appropriated even though the project meets all the criteria for Federal 
assistance.
  However, through this bill, we were able to make this project 
eligible for Federal reimbursement through project modification 
language. This will give the community a much-needed opportunity to 
proceed with the project without waiting any longer for the Federal 
share. The residents of this coastal community cannot afford to wait 
another year to begin this essential beach protection project. However, 
it is my sincerest wish that the Panama City Beach project will receive 
its Federal share as soon as possible to help the community's efforts.
  On behalf of the people of Panama City and its surrounding 
communities, I would like to thank the chairman for his work on this 
very important piece of legislation.

                          ____________________