[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 151 (Tuesday, October 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1810-E1811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF THE LAKESHORE AREAS REGIONAL RECOVERY OF 
                                INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 11, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
before you today to recognize the efforts of the Lakeshore Areas 
Regional Recovery of Indiana, or LARRI for short, and to recognize its 
esteemed partners for their dedication as this organization reaches the 
end of its third, and final, year of operation. Although LARRI has 
served the Region admirably since the widespread flooding of Northwest 
Indiana in September of 2008, its work has come to an end, and the 
organization ceased operations on September 30, 2011.
  LARRI was formed by a coalition of dedicated non-profit organizations 
in response the heavy flooding of Northwest Indiana in September of 
2008. As the Little Calumet overflowed its banks, LARRI went into 
immediate action for its neighbors in need, and by the time it closed 
its doors, LARRI had coordinated more than 6,000 volunteers in removing 
15,920 pounds of debris, building 5 homes, restoring another 600 more, 
and relocating 26 displaced families to new homes throughout the area. 
In short, LARRI has have helped to get a struggling region back on its 
feet with

[[Page E1811]]

nothing more than volunteer time and donations. They are true examples 
of a civic spirit to which we can all aspire. Notable contributors to 
LARRI's philanthropic mission include: the Lake Area United Way, United 
Way of Porter County, Ridge United Methodist Church, Northwest Indiana 
Community Action Corporation, American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana, 
the Salvation Army, Dyer United Methodist Church, Gary Neighborhood, 
the Geminus Corporation, Continuum of Care Northwest Indiana, Lutheran 
Church Charities, Catholic Charities, McShane's Business Products and 
Solutions, and the Gary 411 newspaper, as well as individuals John 
Beebe and Ted Prettyman.
  Mr. Speaker, Northwest Indiana is fortunate to have such an 
impressive array of willing humanitarians, and I ask that you and my 
other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing this outstanding 
organization on its campaign. Although LARRI's efforts lasted a mere 
three years, this should only add to the profound impact the 
organization had on Northwest Indiana. I ask that you join me in 
honoring its individual members who freely gave so much of their time 
in service to their community.

                          ____________________