[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23312]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING BARREN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Barren County, Kentucky, recently designated as the ``Best Place to 
Live in Rural America'' by The Progressive Farmer magazine.
  Each year, The Progressive Farmer ranks ten top counties in rural 
America according to several quality-of-life indicators and statistics. 
Barren County won top honors for 2007, citing its strong and growing 
economy, great education, superior access to health care, and low crime 
rate.
  Settled by Scottish immigrants in the late 1700's, nearly 40,000 
residents now call Barren County home. Rolling farmland and a strong 
agriculture heritage continue to influence local attitudes, 
consistently ranking Barren County as a top producer of Kentucky 
agriculture.
  Located along Interstate 65 midway between Louisville and Nashville, 
TN, Barren County is ideally situated as a place to live and work. 
Local officials and business leaders continue to attract new industries 
to the region, establishing four industrial parks throughout the county 
to accommodate future economic growth.
  Barren County schools maintain some of the highest achievement scores 
in the State. The county also ranks high in health-care services, 
attracting new doctors through a local residency program.
  It is my great privilege to congratulate the citizens of Barren 
County, Kentucky today, before the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives, for their example of prosperity and growth in rural 
America.

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