[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING HANDSON NASHVILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 28, 2010

  Mr. COOPER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary efforts by the citizens of Nashville in response to the 
recent floods, and the critical role that HandsOn Nashville played in 
coordinating those efforts.
  As my colleagues know, earlier this month water levels in Nashville 
reached 32 feet above normal and 12 feet above flood level, causing 
devastating damage. Eighteen people died, hundreds were rescued, and 
many of our city's most beloved and famous attractions were partially 
submerged. Entire homes were destroyed, and many families have been 
displaced. Property damage in Davidson County is now estimated at 
almost $2 billion.
  Most remarkable about Nashville's story, though, is the spirit of 
giving and volunteering shown in abundance by the people in Nashville 
during and after this crisis. With very little fanfare or media 
attention, people from all across Middle Tennessee got to work to help 
their neighbors in need.
  In particular, I want to salute the team at HandsOn Nashville, led by 
Executive Director Brian Williams. Between May 2 and May 19, over 
60,000 volunteer hours were donated to flood recovery by HandsOn 
Nashville volunteers. During that same period, 14,200 Nashville 
citizens came forward to serve in flood-
related programming coordinated by HandsOn Nashville, serving in over 
760 separate projects to aid flood victims.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues to join me in honoring 
HandsOn Nashville for their crucial contributions to the Nashville 
community.

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