[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 31, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S8456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING THE BIG THOMPSON FLOOD

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor those who lost their 
lives, as well as those who survived, Colorado's Big Thompson Flood of 
1976. Twenty-five years ago today more than one foot of rain fell in a 
matter of hours, creating a flash flood in Big Thompson Canyon which 
killed 144 people and caused over $30 million in property damage. We 
remember those who died in this natural disaster, and also the 
survivors who had to rebuild their lives, working as a community to 
start over again. Today, outside of my hometown of Loveland, Colorado, 
1,000 survivors of this tragedy will gather to commemorate the Big 
Thompson Flood. Though I cannot be with them in this ceremony, my 
thoughts and prayers are with them and I speak on the Senate floor 
today as a tribute to this special event.
  I ask unanimous consent that the following letter, which I wrote for 
the commemoration ceremony of the Big Thompson Canyon Flood of 1976, be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

       Greetings to the families and friends of the victims of the 
     Big Thompson Canyon Flood
       As we look back twenty-five years ago today we remember the 
     shock and devastation that took place in this canyon. Joan 
     and I arrived just after the crest from the Big Thompson 
     flood had passed through Loveland and were astounded by the 
     destruction. At the time I was a county health officer and I 
     had a number of clients up the canyon ravaged by the flash 
     flood who had animals at my hospital. I was devastated by the 
     tragedies which affected our community.
       Since that time the people of the communities in the canyon 
     have worked together to rebuild their lives and their 
     property. We have heard of many sad stories and yet, many 
     stories of kindness and concern for others through the years.
       Today, as survivors, families and friends congregate to 
     commemorate the Big Thompson Canyon flood, my thoughts and 
     prayers are with you. The bronze sculpture dedicated today 
     will permanently honor those who died in the flood and I will 
     enter this letter into the Congressional Record as a tribute 
     to all those affected by the Big Thompson Canyon Flood on 
     July 31, 1976.
       Joan's and my thoughts are with you as we remember the 
     people who lost their lives and also those who survived this 
     flood and recreated their lives.
       Sincerely,
       Wayne Allard

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