[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22320]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAMBRIA COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF 
                           TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 22, 2009

  Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th 
Anniversary of the Cambria County Association of Township Officials. 
This organization and the townships that comprise it have seen many 
changes over the last century since its inception.
  When Cambria County's townships first formed, they were primarily 
agrarian. Farms dotted the landscape and were valuable contributors to 
the local, state, and national economies. However, as America was 
quickly industrializing, the townships changed as many of their 
citizens began working in the coal mines that were opening throughout 
the county. Even today, the economies are again changing as Cambria 
County's townships are becoming the center of new, high-tech 
industries.
  Madam Speaker, while the county's industries have changed over the 
years, Cambria County's townships have adapted by adding and 
diversifying its businesses. Instead of changing entirely, the 
townships are now home to agriculture, mining, and high-tech 
industries.
  The townships are also quality places to live, with many who work 
elsewhere choosing to live and raise families there. They are among the 
county's assets.
  Finally, like the County itself, the townships have endured much 
hardship, surviving severe flooding in 1889, 1936, and 1977. They also 
survived the collapse of the steel industry and the ripple effects 
throughout the entire county. Their resilience is a reflection of the 
strong people who live and work there.
  Over the years, as the townships experienced the economic ups and 
downs, they have had a constant advocate. The Cambria County 
Association of Township Officials has been there to lobby on behalf of 
its members. They meet on a monthly basis, gathering to discuss common 
issues. The group is also a member of the Pennsylvania State 
Association of Township Officials.
  Madam Speaker, I conclude my remarks by commending the Cambria County 
Association of Township Officials, as well as the townships themselves, 
for their hard work and dedication to the people of Cambria County.

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