[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE MINNESOTA FLOODS OF 1997

  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I just want to take a few minutes today to 
discuss the devastating floods that are paralyzing much of my home 
State of Minnesota. Most of the Nation knows we are experiencing some 
of the worst flooding in our history this week, and due to the severe 
snowfall of this past winter, damage is expected to surpass that of the 
disastrous 1993 floods.
  Not only are Minnesotans fighting against the rising floodwaters, but 
they are doing it in the wake of a blizzard that brought snow, ice, and 
bitterly cold temperatures to our State this weekend, as well. It has 
truly been an ordeal--my heart goes out to those who are working 
desperately to save their homes and land, and my thanks go to the 
thousands of Minnesotans who have stepped forward this week to help 
their friends, families, and neighbors. It is reassuring to know that 
our communities share a collective heart, and can be counted upon to 
come together during tough times.
  Now that President Clinton has approved our request that Minnesota be 
declared a disaster area, Federal money for flood victims is available 
in 21 Minnesota counties. That will enable cleanup efforts to get 
underway, and help families and individuals whose homes and property 
have been damaged or destroyed.
  As of this past Monday, Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson had activated 
more than 1,000 of the state's 11,000 National Guard troops to assist 
with sandbagging, emergency evacuation, and other flood-related duties. 
The Guard has been tireless in their desire to help and we thank them 
for that as well.
  The disastrous floods have severely disrupted the lives of many, many 
Minnesotans, whose primary concern now is to ensure that their families 
and communities are safe, with adequate food and shelter. That being 
the case, I have requested that Commissioner Richardson of the Internal 
Revenue Service extend the tax filing deadline for those taxpayers 
living within the disaster area. Considering the many challenges 
Minnesotans will face in the next few weeks, cleaning up and rebuilding 
their lives and communities, extending the April 15 deadline is 
crucial. I hope Commissioner Richardson will act immediately to grant 
the extension.

  Mr. President, we are used to harsh winters in Minnesota, but even we 
Minnesotans have never seen anything like this. Earlier this winter, 
heavy snows resulted in a Presidential disaster declaration for snow 
removal in 55 Minnesota counties. That rapidly melting snow has now 
caused extensive flooding on virtually every river and tributary in the 
State. This past weekend, the situation was compounded when Minnesota 
was hit by a combination ice storm and blizzard. Freezing rain and snow 
downed countless utility lines in northwestern Minnesota, leaving more 
than 50,000 residents without power. Some power has been restored, but 
it is estimated that other areas may be without power for another 7 
days before repairs can be completed. The weekend storm, along with the 
severe snows of this past winter, will make flooding this spring some 
of the worst in our history.
  For communities along the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers east and 
south of Montevideo and south of Anoka, which includes the Twin Cities 
metro area, the worst flooding is on the way and record and near-record 
crests are expected there. The same is true along the north-flowing Red 
River along the Minnesota-North Dakota border. In Ada, in the State's 
northwestern corner, three-quarters of the town's 1,700 residents have 
been evacuated from their homes.
  The flooding has been an exhausting nightmare for those who are in 
it, and agonizing for the rest of the Nation to watch. Yet, we have 
been inspired once again by the people of Minnesota, who have rallied 
together for their communities as they always do when tragedy strikes.
  Young and old are working side by side to save their communities, 
filling and hauling sandbags, feeding those who have lost their homes 
and finding them shelter, and making sure the volunteers are well cared 
for. I read the comments of Marvin Patten of Granite Falls, who does 
not have flood insurance and whose living room is flooded under 18 
inches of water. He said, ``At first I sat and cried, but after a few 
days you realize that we will manage.''
  Shortly after the mayor of Granite Falls pleaded for sandbagging 
volunteers, he told a reporter that ``everybody in town showed up. Just 
like that. Amazing. I am stupefied.'' Now, as I read comments like 
those and speak with Minnesotans who live in the flooded areas, I 
cannot help but think it is during critical times such as these that we 
finally understand the importance of community, of neighbor helping 
neighbor. Those are the qualities that make us Minnesotans.
  I want to take this opportunity to thank God for the mercy he has 
granted and the blessings he has bestowed upon our families and 
communities. It is within His strength that we find our own.
  Mr. President, I heard the remarks of my colleague from Minnesota 
earlier this afternoon, and I appreciate his words and his efforts on 
behalf of the people of our State.
  We stand together with our colleagues from North and South Dakota, 
who are facing devastation in their States equal to our own. When 
disaster strikes, we are not Republicans or Democrats. We are 
representatives of the people, and we will do whatever we must to 
protect our citizens when their lives, homes, and property are 
threatened.

                          ____________________