[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 40 (Tuesday, April 8, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H1307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING HANNIBAL, MO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Hulshof] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate a vibrant city 
in the Ninth Congressional District of Missouri, Hannibal, MO, for its 
selection to the semifinals of the National Trust for Historic 
Preservation 1997 Great American Main Street Awards.
  The Great American Main Street Awards recognize exceptional 
accomplishments in revitalizing America's historic and traditional 
downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
  Hannibal, MO, has demonstrated a very active public and private 
participation in this revitalization process. It enjoys broad-based 
community support, success in boosting the economy and, more 
importantly, preservation of the uniquely historic buildings.
  Mr. Speaker, the goal of the Hannibal Main Street Program is a 
revitalized program area. The Hannibal Main Street Program has 
continued to promote economic development within the context of 
historic preservation. It has established a strong partnership with 
others in the community to create a wide range of support. The Hannibal 
Main Street Program has a contract with the city for professional 
services. In addition, both the public and private schools provide a 
volunteer work force for downtown cleanup days. Service clubs donate 
time and supplies, sponsor festivals and parades as well as providing 
volunteers. A number of local financial institutions participate in 
low-interest loan programs. This truly is, Mr. Speaker, a community 
that comes together.
  In just 6 years, Hannibal Main Street has had a significant, positive 
economic impact. It has experienced a net gain of 103 new businesses as 
well as 414 new jobs created. Building sales have skyrocketed and the 
number of vacancies has plummeted just in the last couple of years.
  Mr. Speaker, many of us in this Chamber might recognize Hannibal as 
the home of the American Classics author, Mark Twain. To some, Mark 
Twain and Hannibal, MO, are inseparable. To the lovers of Mark Twain, 
Hannibal has become a shrine. Thanks to Hannibal Main Street, all 
families across America will be able to continue to experience Mark 
Twain and his history through Hannibal's historic preservation and 
economic revitalization.
  I am here today, Mr. Speaker, to salute the residents of Hannibal, 
MO. It is cities like Hannibal that represent the best that America has 
to offer.
  Congratulations, Mr. Speaker, and to Hannibal, MO, on a job well 
done.

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