By Green H.R. No. 583 76R11251 MDM-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Residents of Hays, Caldwell, and Gonzales counties 1-2 will long remember the October 1998 floods not only for the 1-3 weather's devastating effect on people and property, but also for 1-4 the heroic actions displayed by many of their fellow citizens in 1-5 the face of significant peril; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Although this natural disaster's property damage 1-7 total reached millions of dollars, the amount and depth of human 1-8 suffering resulting from this tragedy cannot be easily measured, 1-9 and our hearts go out to those who have experienced loss; and 1-10 WHEREAS, The fast-rising flood waters from torrential rains 1-11 required quick thinking and immediate action to prevent an even 1-12 greater catastrophe; individuals from all walks of life 1-13 demonstrated great selflessness, strength of body and spirit, and 1-14 commitment to helping neighbors and friends, as well as total 1-15 strangers; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Hundreds of individuals from federal and state 1-17 emergency management agencies and private entities assisted during 1-18 the perilous flooding and its stunning aftermath; throughout these 1-19 three Central Texas counties, aid also came from city and county 1-20 representatives, churches, schools, and numerous dedicated 1-21 volunteers who worked nonstop for many hours to rescue families 1-22 stranded by the raging flood waters; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Texans continued to offer their help during the 1-24 weeks that followed, and many volunteers were people who had 2-1 themselves lost everything in the disaster; in spite of this, meals 2-2 were donated, clothes were washed, houses and possessions were 2-3 cleaned, and residents opened their homes and hearts to those in 2-4 need of shelter; and 2-5 WHEREAS, The organizations and individuals who gave so 2-6 generously of their time and resources to avert even greater 2-7 tragedy are truly worthy of our highest praise and recognition, for 2-8 their kindness and compassion ran every bit as deep as the raging 2-9 waters they overcame; now, therefore, be it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-11 Legislature hereby commend the courageous men and women whose 2-12 exceptional actions resulted in the saving of untold lives during 2-13 the 1998 flood in Central Texas, and extend sincere sympathy to 2-14 those individuals who suffered losses during this tragedy.