[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO FLOOD VICTIMS OF LAWRENCE COUNTY, TN

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                           HON. VAN HILLEARY

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 1998

  Mr. HILLEARY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to send my thoughts and 
prayers out to the citizens of Lawrence County in my district in 
Tennessee.
  On Monday evening, a strong storm dumped four inches of rain on the 
County within an hour, which set off a devastating flash flood which 
killed at least two people and left an estimated 15,000 people in 
Lawrenceburg and the outlying areas without drinking water and sewage 
service. As of Wednesday morning, two people are still missing, and 123 
homes were damaged or destroyed by the flood.
  I went to Lawrence Country yesterday afternoon to meet with local 
officials, survey the damage and offer any help I could. I'm hopeful 
that federal disaster aid will be approved, and I urge my colleagues to 
support our cleanup effort any way they can.
  Unfortunately, my emergency trip to Lawrence Country prevented me 
from being present for floor votes in the House of Representatives on 
Tuesday night. I regret not being able to be in Washington for those 
votes, but when there is an emergency or disaster in my district which 
affect my constituents, that's where my responsibilities lie.
  I want to close by once again sending my prayers out to everybody who 
has had their lives affected by the horrible flood. Hard times bring 
out the best in people and communities, and I know Lawrence County is 
already pulling together to get back on its feet as soon as possible.

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