[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6549]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF GRANDVILLE FOR THEIR COMMENDABLE FLOOD RESPONSE

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                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2013

  Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
outstanding community of Grandville, Michigan.
   From April 18 until April 22, more than nine inches of rain plagued 
West Michigan. It was called the ``Tale of Two Floods'' by local 
residents as flood-waters cascaded out of the Grand River and Buck 
Creek. Businesses were shutdown, residents were forced from their 
homes, and the entire downtown district was inaccessible.
   Grandville has been at an important place, geographically, on the 
Grand River since its founding. During West Michigan's logging days, 
the community of Grandville played a fundamental part at the river-bend 
by ensuring that the logs did not jam up as the Grand River turned 
north-west toward Grand Haven. Despite the difficult conditions created 
by the ``Tale of Two Floods'', Grandville's citizens yet again took 
care of the river-bend, putting forth a historic effort to both protect 
and clean up their city.
   When faced with a time of crisis, the citizens, churches, and 
businesses of Grandville came together to care for their fellow 
residents and their community. Many individuals sacrificed for their 
neighbors and are worth acknowledging, but I was particularly struck by 
an act of generosity from eleven-year-old Emma Kukla. While on a bike 
ride to explore the damage, Emma and her mom came across a family 
carrying their remaining possessions from their flooded home. They 
volunteered their van to help the family move their salvaged belongings 
and Emma generously gave the last $20 from her wallet.
   Emma embodies the spirit of Grandville, Michigan. The Grandville/
Jenison Chamber of Commerce describes the community as one devoted to: 
``Faith, family, honesty, caring, respect, responsibility. That's 
Grandville. Since its inception, Grandville has given people a place 
they truly belong. They support each other, take pride in the 
community, and make Grandville a positive place to live.''
   I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the city of Grandville 
for serving one another during a time of great need.

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