[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         THE EAST ST. LOUIS JEFFERSON NATIONAL EXPANSION MUSEUM

 Mr. SIMON. Mr. President, my colleagues and I from Illinois as 
well as my colleagues from Missouri have been working hard to extend 
the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial [JNEM] from the banks of the 
Mississippi River in St. Louis, MO, to the east bank of the river in 
Illinois. The extension of the JNEM to the Illinois riverfront 
completes the plans initiated in 1935 by the U.S. Congress for the 
construction of a memorial to Thomas Jefferson and the Nation's 
westward expansion, and fulfills the visions and dreams of Eero 
Saarinen, designer of the arch. It was his intention that the east side 
of the river be brought into the design of the memorial.
  I think this effort will also provide hope for the troubled community 
of East St. Louis, IL. East St. Louis has suffered devastating economic 
hardships over the years. If we are successful in attracting the kind 
of public and private investment to the east side of the river as St. 
Louis, MO, did to the westbank, this effort could be a model for the 
renewal of other urban centers.
  My bill is only one step in the long, involved process toward revival 
of the area. S. 1726 directs the National Park Service to conduct an 
architectural design competition to solicit design proposals for a 
museum commemorating the role of ethnic diversity in the development of 
the United States. A museum that celebrates the American spirit in all 
of its rich diversity would be a powerful statement. As a nation, we 
are strong because of that diversity. I believe there is no better 
place for such a symbol as in the heartland of Illinois, along the 
banks of the Mississippi River.
  The bill goes further and requires that a study be done and submitted 
to Congress on possible funding mechanisms for the development, 
construction, and maintenance of such a world class museum.
  The potential for redevelopment of East St. Louis has been studied 
for years. This project enjoys the bipartisan support of business 
leaders in St. Louis, mayors, Governors, and congressional delegation 
members of both States. The Senate should act judiciously and pass this 
legislation.

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