[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S9476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HURRICANE DEVASTATION

  Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, so many States have been devastated this 
hurricane season. My own home State of North Carolina has been ravaged 
by the effects of not one, but four hurricanes in the last few weeks.
  Most recently, western North Carolina suffered extensive damage 
caused by the torrential wind and rain of Hurricane Ivan. Initial 
estimates from the storm's destruction in Buncombe County alone are 
already topping $100 million. Sadly, this same county had already 
projected that exact amount in damages following Hurricane Frances.
  Counties in western North Carolina had barely begun to recover from 
the flooding of Frances before Ivan roared through town late last week. 
The death toll from the storm, so far, is 10 people. In the town of 
Henderson, a man and his wife were sleeping soundly when a huge tree 
crashed through their house into their bedroom. The husband was pinned 
beneath the fallen tree, which ultimately took his life as the home had 
to be stabilized before the tree could be removed. In the Peeks Creek 
community in southern Macon County, a landslide sent homes crashing 
against each other, killing at least four people, including an unborn 
child whose mother was forced to have a leg amputated and remains in 
critical condition.
  Houses have literally been washed away, and some left standing have 
been split in two by fallen trees. Main roads and neighborhood streets 
have been shut down from landslides and pavements giving way. Well over 
200,000 residents were left without power over the weekend. Needless to 
say, it will take time before western North Carolina can return to a 
sense of normalcy.
  I have been down to the devastated areas twice over the past two 
weeks. While my heart broke at the sight of destroyed homes and washed 
out roadways, my hopes were buoyed by the goodness of neighbor helping 
neighbor. It was an image played out all over the towns I visited. 
Local officials and first responders, some from as far as Raleigh and 
Charlotte, have done--and continue to do--a phenomenal job in the midst 
of challenging circumstances.
  I think of the heroic efforts of families like Aileen and Glenn 
Holland. They are not strangers to offering aide after a natural 
disaster. Long time volunteers through the North Carolina Baptists Men 
Disaster Relief, they have traveled all over the United States. But 
last weekend, they didn't have to travel anywhere. The destruction came 
right to their front door. Fifteen homes were annihilated in Macon 
County, but the Holland's was left standing. When they heard the 
screams of neighbors, Aileen and Glenn began taking people in. They 
even found a toddler covered in mud crying from fear. The Hollands 
remained in their home, providing shelter for friends and family until 
fellow volunteers from the Baptist Men Disaster Relief arrived on the 
scene.
  I also applaud the efforts of local churches, nonprofits, and groups 
such as the Red Cross for the helping hands they're extending all over 
western North Carolina. I had the chance to stop in and thank the 
volunteers at the Red Cross Shelter in Henderson County. I was touched 
to see the families finding refuge and reassurance there.
  These are the memories I will keep with me as I think back on the 
far-reaching effects from this hurricane season. Yes, there is 
destruction. Yes, there is great pain. But I find encouragement in the 
selfless hearts of North Carolinians who are going to great lengths to 
help those struggling through the wreckage left behind.
  It is my desire that we, too, can add to that goodwill and deliver 
the financial aide these areas need to get back on their feet. Fifteen 
Western North Carolina counties have been declared federal disaster 
areas, including Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Macon. This 
designation means that homeowners and businesses are eligible for 
assistance in the form of loans or grants from the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, FEMA or the Small Business Administration. There is 
a $60 million request for North Carolina included in the President's 
emergency budget. We're obviously going to need much more. I would 
encourage Congress to expedite this aid to those who need it most.
  I can only hope the end of this devastating hurricane season comes 
quickly. The autumn season makes western North Carolina one of the most 
beautiful places on earth--and the good folks from the mountains are 
well suited to give some southern hospitality to visitors from around 
the country. It is important that we get the word out that this 
magnificent part of the country is open for business during its prime 
tourism season. My thoughts and my prayers are with every person 
touched by these hurricanes, not only North Carolina but throughout the 
southeast and east coast. May God bless each and every one of them.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.

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