[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 95 (Thursday, June 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SOURIS RIVER FLOOD ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, it has been nearly a year since the 
city of Minot and surrounding communities were devastated by a historic 
flood along the Souris River in North Dakota.
  As we recognize this anniversary, we are reminded of the devastation 
it brought to thousands of families throughout the Souris River Basin, 
the extraordinary leadership of local officials, the valiant efforts of 
residents and businesses, the outpouring of support, and the 
perseverance and determination of the region to rebuild.
  On June 22, 2011, the sirens sounded in Minot signaling the mandatory 
evacuation of nearly a quarter of the city's residents. A wall of water 
was coming at us, and we knew the existing levees would be overtopped. 
Work continued around the clock on temporary, secondary levees to 
protect as much of the city as possible, but we knew thousands of homes 
would be impacted by floodwaters. On June 23, the river overtopped the 
levees in Minot, spilling into neighborhoods and businesses. When the 
river finally peaked, it had surpassed the record set in 1881 by more 
than 3.5 feet and crested more than 12.5 feet above flood stage. While 
the flood damaged homes, businesses, schools, parks, the zoo, and many 
other things, it did not dampen the spirit of those in Minot and the 
surrounding communities or their resolve to rebuild.
  In those days leading up to and following the flood, many Federal 
agencies were on the ground assisting the region with response and 
recovery. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency were there from the beginning, and both are still 
there today helping residents recover and repairing levees. Many other 
Federal agencies also provided critical support throughout the 
disaster. For that, we are forever grateful.
  I also want to thank my colleagues for the disaster assistance 
provided through the Community Development Block Grant Program, the 
Economic Development Administration, and Emergency Relief to respond to 
this and other disasters in 2011. This funding is providing important 
resources for the region and a key part of its foundation for recovery.
  The city of Minot and surrounding communities, including Burlington, 
Velva, and Sawyer, have come a long way since those dark days last 
year. While the recovery will continue for some time, I am so proud of 
the spirit and can-do attitude of all in the basin as they rebuild 
their communities.
  Officials and residents will gather together this weekend to 
celebrate a ``Weekend of Hope: Return to Oak Park.'' It will be a time 
for reflection on how far the region has come and to focus on the 
region's continuing recovery. Hope is guiding the region's recovery and 
ensuring that Minot, Burlington, and the other communities will be back 
better and stronger than ever.

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