[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 22870-22871]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                            HURRICANE FLOYD

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, Hurricane Floyd took lives, in fact 47 
lives we know to date. It also took lifetimes of family possessions and 
family history. Lives cannot be recovered but, with effort, lifetimes 
can be restored. At least 35,000 lifetimes, family possessions and 
family history, must be restored.
  Infrastructure, built over lifetimes, was destroyed, leaving losses 
that are currently reaching $80 million and the numbers are growing.
  At least 10 bridges are severely damaged and many more, some still 
underwater, were structurally damaged. At least 600 pipelines were 
damaged. Electricity costs are $1 million and growing. In addition, 
some $30 million in revenue has been lost. 1.2 million persons lost 
power due to the storm and close to 10,000 remain today without 
electricity. Drinking water and waste water treatment systems sustained 
untold damage. Bacteria, nitrates, and other pollutants have 
contaminated many wells. Many septic tanks are nonfunctional and due to 
high water tables will not be functional for some time. Agricultural 
losses, compounding previous losses from the drought and economic 
downturn and other natural calamities, will reach $1 billion and that 
number is growing.
  Small farm life is seriously threatened in North Carolina. 
Significant beach erosion has occurred.

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                              {time}  1930

  Shrimp and blue crab harvests, previously predicted to be at record 
levels, have been completely wiped out. Fish and shellfish losses are 
unknown.
  If things could not be worse, there are millions of gallons of raw 
sewage and animal waste, with more than a million dead farm animals 
contaminating waters that flow into the homes, businesses, and drinking 
supply. Insects and rodent activity is on the rise.
  Mr. Speaker, Hurricane Floyd left in his wake, the worst flooding in 
the history of the State of North Carolina. The serious health concerns 
underscore the value and the importance of a program that is being 
developed at some of our education institutions in the State of North 
Carolina.
  A program termed ``Agromedicine'' has brought some of our diverse 
university cultures together with communities to prevent injury and 
illness and to promote the health and safety of our rural residents.
  Agriculture in North Carolina is a significant part of our economy. 
Agriculture is a $45 billion a year industry, employing 21 percent of 
the State's work force. Even without hurricane and flooding, farming, 
forestry, and fishing in North Carolina can be hazardous. The costs can 
be great. On average, 50 persons per year die in agricultural-related 
activities, and 2,000 are disabled. The annual costs of health care in 
North Carolina farm-related injury exceeds $195 million.
  I am proud that North Carolina is taking a national leadership in 
Agromedicine through the newly-established Agromedicine Institute. I 
congratulate the three universities involved, East Carolina State 
University with its medical school, its nursing and allied health 
expertise; North Carolina A&T State University with its agriculture, 
technology, nursing expertise; and North Carolina State University with 
its agriculture, forestry, natural resources, life sciences, and 
veterinary medical expertise.
  Mr. Speaker, those who grow and harvest the products that provide our 
food, our clothing, and shelter deserve our support in addressing the 
continued hazards of health and safety. The Agromedicine Institute is 
one means of providing that support.
  The devastation of Hurricane Floyd will one day become history, a 
mere memory in the minds of those who are suffering through it now. 
Possessions will, once again, be collected. North Carolina will be 
rebuilt, restored, and recovered. Agromedicine can be a lifetime. We 
urge consideration of this program.

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