John Danforth: “I rise in strong support of the Hatfield amendment. In the aftermath of the great midwestern flood, communities across…”

“I rise in strong support of the Hatfield amendment. In the aftermath of the great midwestern flood, communities across Missouri are looking to a permanent solution to the repeated experience of devastating flood damage. They are seeking to help people who reside in flood plains and who experience repetitive flooding to relocate to safer territory. To me, providing Federal assistance to help with such relocations is a very wise investment. While it entails up-front costs, I am convinced it will lead to significant reductions in future Federal disaster assistance. It will also bring to an end for many the horrible cycle of confronting flood after flood. I am grateful that the administration requested $250 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to help in this effort. I wish to commend Senators Byrd, Hatfield, and Harkin for their work in including the administration's request in this legislation. The Hatfield amendment ensures that properties acquired with the CDBG funds appropriated in this bill will be restricted to uses which avoid the potential for future losses. I believe this to be an essential component to a successful buyout program and support the adoption of the amendment.”