“We have fought together as a delegation to ensure Eastern North Carolina has the necessary resources to rebuild and recover from the devastation of Hurricane Floyd,” Jones said.  “I feel confident that we are well on our way to accomplishing that goal.”

The Committee approved Congressman Jones’ proposal for $500,000 to provide emergency equipment and training to rural fire districts in North Carolina and the $12.4 million he requested to build an Armed Forces Reserve Center in Greenville, to replace structures that were destroyed in the storm. 

 “Right now our focus is on recovery, but we also need to look to the future.  We are closing in on yet another hurricane season and any steps we can take to prepare for another disaster are steps in the right direction.  Training our rural fire departments for flood water rescues and providing them with emergency equipment is one way to ensure they can best assist their communities during times of natural disasters,” Jones said.
 
The Appropriations Committee retained the Hurricane Floyd assistance included in the draft supplemental bill and added $1.5 million for the town of Princeville to fund a study on the Tar River dike that breached during the flooding.  

“Chairman Young was able to assure me before the Committee met that the Princeville money 
would be included in the supplemental.  I think it was a relief to everyone.  Fighting to provide Hurricane Floyd aid for Eastern North Carolina united every Member of the delegation,” Jones said.

 The measure is expected to go to the House floor as early as next week.