[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 107 (Monday, July 18, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H5134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ON THE RECOVERY OF RINGGOLD, GEORGIA

  (Mr. GRAVES of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GRAVES of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to let the 
American people know that the city of Ringgold, Georgia, is open for 
business. I know that we all remember the tornadoes that ravaged much 
of the country in April. Over 180 of these destructive storms were 
confirmed in just one day, and the Ninth Congressional District of 
Georgia was not spared. Some of the worst storm damage in north Georgia 
occurred in the small town of Ringgold. Over 100 businesses and 500 
homes were damaged or destroyed on April 27. This was a devastating 
moment to the local community and the local economy, which relies 
heavily on travelers passing through on Interstate 75.
  However, Ringgold is on the mend and ready to share some of that 
southern hospitality it is known so well for. Nearly half of the 
damaged businesses have reopened, homes are being rebuilt, and the jobs 
are returning. While there is still much to be done, if you find 
yourself passing through Ringgold on I-75, I encourage you to take exit 
348 for gas, a bite to eat, or an overnight stay in Ringgold, enjoy the 
shops and sights in the historic downtown, and know that you are 
playing a part in helping this great and resilient community rebuild.

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