Washington, April 27, 2012 -

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-09) released the following statement one year to the day after a series of devastating tornadoes swept through north Georgia.  The storms struck Dade, Walker, Pickens, and Catoosa counties, killing 11 people and causing tens of millions of dollars in property damage.  A total of 76 people across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee died as a result of the storms on April 27, 2011.

“One year after these storms devastated our communities and forever changed our lives; the people of north Georgia have once again shown their strength, determination, and resilience.  Georgians pulled themselves out of the wreckage, rose up, and rebuilt.  While I know the wounds are still fresh for many, and that the families will truly never fully recover from the loved ones we lost on that day, the recovery efforts are a testimony to the character and resolve of the people of north Georgia.  Please know that Julie and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the 9th District as we mark this anniversary today.”