[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1934-E1935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NORTH CAROLINA HURRICANE FLOYD DISASTER RECOVERY

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 1999

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the courage and 
tenacity of the citizens of my birthplace, the great State of North 
Carolina. They have endured, over the last few days, one of our 
Nation's worse natural disasters: Hurricane Floyd. I also want to lend 
my support to their recovery efforts.
  As fellow Brooklynite Jackie Robinson once resonated, ``a life means 
nothing except for the impact it has on others.'' At this moment, we 
must all reach out and lend a helping hand to North Carolina.
  Although the impact of Hurricane Floyd was felt from the Bahamas to 
New England, North Carolina has shouldered the brunt of the storm. 
Governor Jim Hunt of North Carolina reported that at least 10,000 
people are in shelters, an estimated 1,500 people are still stranded, 
and that preliminary property damage figures may exceed $1.3 billion. 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has predicted that this 
could be the most challenging recovery effort in the organization's 
history. Unfortunately, it has become painfully clear that Hurricane 
Floyd, combined with Hurricane Dennis, is shaping up to be the worst 
disaster North Carolina has ever witnessed.
  So today I rise to say that this is not just a North Carolina 
problem; this is a national problem. We must all work together to 
ensure that the citizens of the great Tar Heel state fully recover from 
this unforgettable event.
  That is why I will join with Congresswoman Eva Clayton of North 
Carolina and other members of Congress to send a legislative package 
that will provide further relief to the Hurricane survivors. I have 
also called North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt's office, which recently 
organized the N.C. Hurricane Floyd Relief Fund, to determine what other 
immediate assistance is needed. As we speak, thousands of people 
urgently need bottled water, non-perishable foods, clothing and 
bedding. For those who want to lend a helping hand, the donation 
hotline number is 1-888-786-7601.
  Mr. Speaker, let us all take a moment out of our busy lives to 
remember North Carolina. To the citizens of North Carolina, I want you 
to know that you have my unwavering support. May God bless you.

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