[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 165 (Tuesday, December 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY FLOOD CONTROL 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2010

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th 
anniversary of the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association. This 
Association was instrumental in reforming the flood and navigation 
system along the Mississippi River after the 1927 flood, which was one 
of the greatest peace-time disasters our nation has seen. This disaster 
wrecked the levee system and devastated over 12 million acres and drove 
600,000 people from their homes. Losses were estimated at $400 million.
  A shining star in this disaster was the quick work of this 
Association by organizing a congressional tour at the height of the 
flood by special train and boats. This effort paved the way for 
legislation developing the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project to 
build a levee system to tame the Mississippi River's forces. Today, 
this levee system still protects hundreds of thousands of families from 
flooding and facilitates transportation in our inland water ways 
system.
  The Association still lives on under the great leadership of Mr. 
George Grugett. Mr. Grugett's career is an example for all of us to 
follow. He has served as the Executive Vice President of the 
Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association since 1980. During his 
service to this Association, he has successfully brought together 
Members of Congress, senior officials within the Army Corps of 
Engineers, and levee boards along the Mississippi River in order to 
promote and develop the flood and navigation system that is so 
important to our economy.
  I can confidently say that with Mr. Grugett's leadership we have made 
numerous strides in the areas of flood control and water navigation. I 
ask the entire House to join with me to commend Mr. Grugett for his 
leadership and dedication to this Association as it marks its 75th 
anniversary.

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