Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Okeechobee Hurricane of September 1928 and its associated tragic…

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 16, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Memorializes the loss of approximately 3,000 lives due to the Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928.

Recognizes: (1) the importance of hurricane preparedness measures, enhanced evacuation, emergency plans, and disaster response training especially in economically disadvantaged communities to prevent a disproportionate impact of natural disasters and disparities in disaster response; and (2) the role of relevant federal agencies, research institutes, universities, and disaster response organizations in providing intensity forecasting, long-range projections of hurricane activity, emergency management, and hurricane and storm damage reduction to better prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of storms and hurricanes.

Expresses support for initiatives to enhance our understanding of storm impacts on physical structures.

Urges the state of Florida and local governments to: (1) commemorate and memorialize the 80th anniversary of the Okeechobee Hurricane and its associated tragic loss of life; and (2) recognize mass graves of the victims.

Urges the federal government, and state and local governments, to: (1) encourage hurricane and disaster preparedness, education, response, and mitigation; and (2) support programs and initiatives that promote such activities, especially in economically disadvantaged and migrant communities.

Commends the Army Corps of Engineers for its ongoing rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike. Encourages continued federal, state, and local government collaboration toward expeditious completion of the rehabilitation effort.

Recommits to hurricane preparedness, safety education, response, and mitigation for all communities.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov