[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 132 (Tuesday, October 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MERCER COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NICK J. RAHALL, II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 18, 2005

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, today, I honor Mercer County, West Virginia, 
for being recognized by the America's Promise Organization as one of 
the best communities in the Nation for our youth. This is because of 
their successful efforts to provide a healthy, safe and caring 
environment. As Mercer County was the only county in West Virginia to 
be named in the report, their efforts set the benchmark very high for 
all of WV and beyond. Mercer County is also taking great strides to 
become an even better community with its innovative Mercer Drug 
Treatment Program. This innovative program provides services to 
nonviolent offenders with a history of drug use and minor possession.
  The Mercer County Drug Treatment Program was recently awarded a grant 
of $27,282 from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant 
Program; I have seen the program in action first hand and my visit 
easily convinced me of the meritorious value inherent in this exemplary 
program. Treatment Programs such as the one in Mercer County play an 
important role in our community and their financial support certainly 
has merit, especially with the ongoing problems of methamphetamines 
throughout our state and nation. This funding is crucial in helping 
people get back on their feet and helping them to rectify past mistakes 
they have made. By providing cost-effective, pro-active, community-
inclusive and community building solutions such as this, we show the 
compassion of our Nation, and live up to our West Virginia heritage of 
brotherhood and dedication to our fellow man. I am proud to have a 
county in my State and specifically my district that is taking such 
positive steps to actively engage all of its citizens, young and old, 
in working for a greater community.

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