Jasper Packard: “it is unbelievable that an outdated law to protect endangered species is causing catastrophic harm to animals, humans…”

“it is unbelievable that an outdated law to protect endangered species is causing catastrophic harm to animals, humans, and agriculture. In my home State of California, the floods of 1997 have already caused the deaths of nine people and more than $1.6 billion in total damage. If flood control structures had been properly maintained, this loss of life and property could have been avoided. Unfortunately, the Endangered Species Act prohibits much-needed maintenance of these areas. In fact, the very animals who kept the flood control structures from being repaired in the first place were also displaced and killed by the devastating floods. In January 1997, California experienced the worst flooding in State history. However, California was not alone. Numerous other States were ravaged by flood waters. Most recently, the citizens of North Dakota saw the waters destroy their towns and homes. It is horrible to see the loss of life and property which resulted from the devastating floods. However, it is far worse to realize that some of this damage could have been avoided. Mr. Speaker, I applaud my dear friend and colleague Wally Herger for introducing the Flood Prevention and Family Protection Act which attempts to prevent the disaster of flooding. As a proud cosponsor of this bill, I know that we must prevent these disasters before they occur. Once the floods have destroyed our homes, there is little we can do to restore the photo albums and family treasures.”