[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1595-E1596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

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                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 1996

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Resource 
Conservation and

[[Page E1596]]

Development Program [RC&D] whose efforts have improved the economy, the 
environment, and the living standards of this Nation. I would like to 
designate September 15, 1996, as a day of recognition for the Resource 
Conservation and Development Program. The RC&D, initiated in 1962, 
serves 2,016 counties in more than half of the United States, the 
Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. The 20,000 volunteers involved in the 
organization's projects contribute their time and resources to 
revitalize and sustain their communities.
  The comprehensive efforts of the RC&D have focused on protecting the 
environment and fortifying the economy of this Nation. The program's 
resource protection initiative has improved 40,264 acres of wildlife 
habitat, and has increased the quality of water in 56,052 acres of 
lakes and 2,523 miles of streams. Furthermore, RC&D council and 
partners have added to the economy by creating 164 new businesses, 
resulting in 3,209 jobs. Their educational projects have helped 82,878 
people develop new skills in areas of development, entrepreneurial 
training, and resource assessment. From saving the environment to 
creating jobs, the RC&D has touched the lives of all Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, we all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the RC&D 
for their dedication and service to this country. Their accomplishments 
illustrate the power and strength of volunteer organizations in this 
Nation. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring the Resource 
Conservation and Development Program on this day.

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