[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12746]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            FLOOD INSURANCE

  (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to underscore a serious 
problem in Pasco County, Florida, this week that is devastating 
homeowners--flooding--after days of continuous rain.
  After Tropical Storm Debby in 2012, the Army Corps of Engineers 
worked with county officials to implement some measures to mitigate 
flooding, but more needs to be done.
  For instance, Pasco County officials have been working for 19 years 
to extend Ridge Road. One of the main justifications for the Ridge Road 
extension is a matter of safety. An extension is a much-needed 
evacuation route in the case of natural disasters, like flooding or 
hurricanes.
  As of today, an evacuation issued for Elfers, Florida, in my 
district, is ongoing. The Ridge Road extension needs to be approved. 
Nineteen years is far too long. The Army Corps must stop dragging its 
feet.
  The serious flood this week demonstrates the need for action. I hope 
that the Corps gets the message.

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