Posted: 9/6/07
State House committee tours flood-ravaged area
The House committee charged with approving money for capital projects and state infrastructure spent Wedneday touring southeastern Minnesota communities that have been devastated by historic flooding.
"It is impossible to understand the overwhelming scope of the damage the people in these communities are facing without seeing it firsthand," said State Representative Alice Hausman, chair of the House Capital Investment Finance Division. "This tour reinforces the need for the Governor to act quickly to call us into a special session, so residents can be reassured theyíll have the resources they need to keep them going during the long and arduous recovery process that lies ahead."
The day long tour started with a stop in Rushford, a small community virtually underwater little more than two weeks ago. Legislators heard from business owners and community leaders, all struggling with the aftermath of the floods, from gutted businesses to washed-out roads and bridges that make it impossible to move people and equipment.
Subsequent stops in Hokah, Goodview and at Winona City Hall echoed the calls from residents and local leaders about the need for quick action to assist with immediate repair needs and long-term recovery costs
"We heard from a woman who had lost her home and her business tell us that having our committee visit today gave her hope that her town can rebuild and thrive," said Hausman. "Now we need to take her story and all of those we heard today back to St. Paul and get this special session done, so these hardworking people wonít lose hope in the hard weeks and months ahead."
Caledonia Argus
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