“In this hour of great promise, we must not forget the landowners, whose land is taken in the public interest.”

On Dec. 11, 1965, at the Brookville Reservoir groundbreaking ceremony at the Brookville High School Gym, the Honorable Lee H. Hamilton, Member of Congress, 9th District, had the following remarks to share:

“The strange thing is water is a blessing - but a blessing with a potential for destruction. Without it, life ceases. With it, in proper amounts and quality, it quenches thirst, cleanses, generates power, provides recreation, sustains life.

In improper quantity - too little or too great - and bad quality - it destroys life, ravages property, creates deserts, or inundates communities. In Indiana, we know its blessings - with rich and fertile fields and communities with abundant and pure water.

We also know its potential for destruction. The most destructive river in the State is the East Fork of the Whitewater River - destroying the annual rate of 28 million dollars.

In the 9th Congressional District, we know its potential for destruction. One-half of the flood disaster counties are located in the 9th district. Our challenge is not to make more water. There is abundant water on this wet earth. The challenge is to make water available and usable:

-so that barren deserts bloom

-thirsting people drink

-floods are restrained, and

-pollution is stopped

Indiana - with its alternating pattern of floods and drought - is meeting that challenge - with reservoirs, watersheds, rural water systems and sound conservation.

-Two reservoirs have been completed

-Four are under construction (soon to be joined by a fifth)

These reservoirs restrain floods, store quantities of water for use in periods of drought, provide recreation, protect fish and wildlife, and the availability of water helps attract tourists and industry.

Today, Brookville becomes the leader in the 9th District in responding to the challenge to make water available for multiple uses and to restrain its potential for destruction.

The disastrous floods of 1959 spurred the local citizenry to action - and the Whitewater Valley Flood Control Association was formed. Their efforts are now making history. Their frustration and mortifications are temporary - but the benefits they will bring to their community are eternal. They have a vision of recreation, eventually attracting 3 million annually of floods restrained, water supply assured, a local economy made vibrant and alive.

I salute these citizens. Congressmen and Senators come and go, but you remain, and your concern in your community perseveres. I share with you the pride you now feel and will feel in the days ahead as your vision becomes reality.

In this hour of great promise, we must not forget the landowners, whose land is taken in the public interest. Their lives are disrupted and inconvenienced. Hardships are imposed upon them. They are entitled to prompt, thorough, courteous consideration and fair compensation.

Today, we look back and say to the citizens of this community, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But we also look ahead - and say “God Speed.” Yours is the high privilege of seeing dreams turn to reality - plans on paper turn to dams and water. The result will be a kindlier, richer, more fertile, more inviting land - and that will be an achievement which will make today your finest hour.”