[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
[February 29, 2000]
[Page 341]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Establishment of the President's Council on the Future 
of Princeville, North Carolina
February 29, 2000

    As the first city in the United States founded by former slaves, 
Princeville, North Carolina, holds a special and highly significant 
place in our Nation's history. In its early days, Princeville was called 
Freedom Hill by fleeing African-Americans who settled along the banks of 
the River Tar under the protection of Union troops at the close of the 
Civil War. In more recent times, repeated flooding from the River Tar 
has caused damage in Princeville, which was devastated this fall by the 
particularly severe floods that accompanied Hurricane Floyd.
    Today I am announcing the creation, by Executive order, of the 
President's Council on the Future of Princeville, North Carolina. This 
Council will bring together representatives from 12 Federal agencies, 
several key members of my Cabinet, and chaired by Sally Katzen of the Office of Management and Budget. It will work 
with elected officials, the private sector, community and non-profit 
groups to recommend measures to preserve and protect Princeville for the 
future. I have asked the Council to move promptly to recommend action 
that my administration can take to help repair and rebuild Princeville 
and, to the extent possible, protect the town from future floods.
    We have taken many steps since this terrible flooding hit 
Princeville last fall, from immediately dispatching emergency workers to 
making resources available for the people of Princeville in their 
efforts to rebuild. It is my firm belief and the policy of my 
administration that we must do more to help the people of Princeville 
who have bravely chosen to stay and rebuild their badly damaged 
hometown. We owe them our best efforts.
    It is enormously important that, as we celebrate Black History Month 
and honor the long and proud history of this uniquely important town, we 
also take steps to preserve it for the future. As we embark on this new 
chapter in Princeville's history, I would like to thank Representative 
Eva Clayton who has led the charge for this 
step I am announcing today, and who has worked tirelessly on behalf of 
this important town. I also thank Representative Charles Rangel for his support of this important effort.

Note: The Executive order is listed in Appendix D at the end of this 
volume.