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Recognition

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Week Ending September 7, 2007

H.RES.544 Expressing the sympathy and pledging the support of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding in 20 counties in eastern Kansas beginning on June 26, 2007.

Receiving 21 inches of rain in four days, 20 counties in east Kansas experienced devastating flooding, the death of one person and the loss of 3,100 homes and businesses.

71,000 gallons of crude oil was released into the Verdigris River and the Coffeyville community. 16 counties were declared in a state of disaster.

More resolution below….

Sponsor:  Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS-4^th)

Vote: Passed House 397 to 0 RC 853 September 6, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost

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MORE INFORMATION

Whereas, on June 26, 2007, a storm system lasting several days was responsible for bringing heavy and torrential rainfall to eastern Kansas;

Whereas communities in eastern Kansas received up to 21 inches of rain within a four-day period, resulting in devastating floods throughout the region;

Whereas the flooding led to one person's death and more than 3,100 homes and businesses destroyed or sustaining major damage;

Whereas communities in at least 20 counties were evacuated;

Whereas flood waters caused a petroleum refinery tank system to overflow into the Verdigris River, releasing an estimated 71,000 gallons of crude oil into the Coffeyville community and surrounding area;

Whereas, on June 30, 2007, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius declared a state of disaster for Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Elk, Franklin, Linn, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, Osage, Wilson, and Woodson counties;

Whereas, on July 2, 2007, President George W. Bush declared a major Federal disaster for the State of Kansas that included Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Elk, Franklin, Linn, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, Osage, Wilson, and Woodson counties;

Whereas other surrounding counties in Kansas also suffered damage from heavy flooding; and

Whereas areas in Oklahoma and Texas experienced devastating floods that resulted in loss of human life and millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding in 20 counties in eastern Kansas beginning on June 26, 2007;

(2) conveys its gratitude to the local, State, and Federal officials and emergency personnel who responded swiftly to the crisis, including members of the Kansas National Guard and Kansas Highway Patrol;

(3) recognizes the generous support of volunteers, private and corporate donors, religious groups, and charitable organizations that have given generously toward the relief efforts following the destructive flooding; and

(4) commends the spirit of the people of Kansas, who consistently demonstrate an outpouring of compassionate care for neighbors facing adversity and hardship.

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