[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATING LEE COUNTY'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2020

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the 150th anniversary of Lee County, Kentucky's 115th county 
established on March I, 1870.
  Nestled in Kentucky's Appalachian region, legendary explorers like 
Dr. Thomas Walker and Daniel Boone are among the first recorded 
frontiersman in Lee County and the Three Forks area, a land rich with 
beautiful hillsides and streams serving as an undisturbed habitat for 
wildlife and premier hunting. Some of the earliest successful 
industries were birthed from natural resources on the land, including 
pine tar, saltpeter, coal mining, and oil and timber operations, 
connecting this small Appalachian community to the U.S. Navy, the Great 
Lakes and the nation's energy grid. For many years, the Three Forks 
Region served as an economic hub in Eastern Kentucky with access to the 
Kentucky River and railroads to transport timber, coal and oil.
  Utilizing former coalfields and the Daniel Boone National Forest, 
which covers much of the region, Lee County offers premier territory 
for the tourism industry. In fact, the Beattyville Coal Seam will soon 
serve as a starting point for challenging hiking and mountain biking 
trails, leading visitors and residents through a beautiful autumn 
canopy and the unique limestone cliffs that draw countless rock 
climbers from around the world.
  Among all of the resources in Lee County's 150-year history, the very 
best resource has been local residents. The people of Lee County have 
proven to be resilient and loyal, innovative and resourceful, 
exhibiting the enduring compassion and charm that draws visitors to our 
unique corner of the world. Over the last two decades, volunteers from 
across the county have dedicated time and energy to the Eastern 
Kentucky PRIDE organization, enhancing the environment and restoring 
the beauty of our hillsides and streams. Likewise, through joint local, 
state and federal efforts, we have been able to expand access to clean 
water and sanitary sewer for residents and businesses over the last 40 
years, paving the way for new industry and job creation. Since 2003, 
countless volunteers have partnered with Operation UNITE to combat the 
deadly drug abuse epidemic in Eastern Kentucky, promoting prevention in 
our schools and connecting families to critical recovery resources and 
support. Through SOAR--Shaping Our Appalachian Region, we continue to 
work together toward innovative solutions to diversify our economy, 
expand access to high-performing broadband in every community, and pave 
a brighter future for upcoming generations.
  Finally, any time I think of Lee County, I'm reminded that it is the 
homeplace of highly respected war heroes, like the late retired Army 
Major General Charles Beach, Junior, as well as outstanding 
individuals, like Will Smith, my former Chief of Staff and Staff 
Director on the House Appropriations Committee, who served as my long-
time advisor. Many sons and daughters of Lee County have risen up among 
the ranks to help lead this great Nation and I'm confident that the 
same will be true over the next century. Being mindful of the 
challenges and successes that have written the story of Lee County's 
past, I am certain that the best days are ahead, and I join the entire 
community in this 150-year celebration.

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