[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CITY OF WALLA WALLA, WA

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT, JR.

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2001

  Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and commend 
the City of Walla Walla, Washington, which recently received the 2001 
Great American Main Street Award. Walla Walla is surrounded by onion 
fields and wineries within the 5th Congressional District in 
southeastern Washington State. Over the past several years, the city 
has improved itself, with such undertakings as the recent renovation of 
the historic Whitman Towers Building and the construction of the new 
airport terminal. However, no improvement is as evident as the 
revitalized downtown area.
  The improvements to the downtown area could not have been made 
without the leadership of the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation which was 
founded in 1984. Under the leadership of Executive Director Timothy 
Bishop, Mayor Jerry Cummins, and the Board of Directors, as well as the 
tireless and determined efforts of the numerous volunteers, the 
Foundation brought a declining downtown back to life. Because of their 
efforts, 125 businesses opened or expanded, 800 jobs were created and 
storefront vacancies were reduced to 4 percent. This hard work was 
recognized and rewarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation 
as it issued Walla Walla one of only five Great American Main Street 
Awards for 2001.
  The City of Walla Walla has a prestigious history that is worthy of 
preservation for future generations to embrace, and because of this 
preservation, a vibrant future will be enjoyed. I am proud of Walla 
Walla and am honored to represent this community.

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