The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“NATIONAL RIVER MUSEUM AND AQUARIUM GRAND OPENING” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1386 on June 27, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
NATIONAL RIVER MUSEUM AND AQUARIUM GRAND OPENING
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HON. JIM NUSSLE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Mr. NUSSLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest congratulations to a community I have had the honor of representing since I took office in January of 1991. Tomorrow Dubuque, Iowa will pass a milestone in its history with the official opening of its National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
The Mississippi River has already drawn more than 1 million visitors to the City of Dubuque. This community chose to make its story of the river a cornerstone of urban renewal by investing millions of dollars to revitalize the river front. The June 28 opening represents the community's dedication to growing its tourism industry. For more than 12 years Dubuque has worked to create a world-class center to educate residents and tourists alike about the Mississippi River, its science and cultural history.
This project enjoys rare, unified and vigorous support from local government, the business community, and residents. During difficult economic times in the 1980s, the people of Dubuque came to understand all too well that being subject to a single economic sector's peaks and valleys hinders a city's self-sufficiency. The years of planning for the museum have been a catalyst for change by redirecting the economy toward tourism and making Dubuque a more viable community. Significant changes are happening in the area adjacent to the museum known as the Port of Dubuque. These changes include The Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, a new riverwalk, a community amphitheater, and a conference center.
Enthusiasm for this project has been infectious. It has spread to Main Street where activities are beginning to flourish with the opening of new businesses, including several new restaurants. The entire business community in Dubuque and the surrounding area is already seeing a positive economic impact due to this project. Dubuque's spirit of partnership, community pride and determination have helped the city to grow. They have found a way to tie together Iowa's best strengths--
our people and our rich natural resources--to serve as an example to other cities of what can be accomplished.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to personally commend Mayor Terry Duggan and other local elected officials for their leadership in Dubuque's revitalization. Additionally, this project would not be possible without the very diligent work of Jerry Enzler and Teri Goodmann. Thanks in large part to Jerry's work, the museum is now an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and last year was named by the U.S. Department of Transportation to be the official interpretive center for the Mississippi's Great River Road. Dubuque has been well served by Mayor Duggan, the city council, Jerry, Teri, and the countless others who have been undaunted in their efforts to obtain financial assistance for the museum from individuals, private industries and government officials.
I am proud to have played a part in making this project a reality and look forward to attending the Grand Opening. I believe Dubuque serves as a great example of what a community can do when it identifies goals and pursues them. At one time the phrase often used in the city was,
``will the last person out please shut off the lights?'' What a difference less than 20 years have made! The city now calls itself,
``Masterpiece on the Mississippi.'' It is truly a masterpiece of natural beauty, historical value, and residents bursting with pride and enthusiasm. Dubuque, your lights are on for the whole world to see and experience.
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