[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 97 (Friday, June 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NATIONAL RIVER MUSEUM AND AQUARIUM GRAND OPENING

                                 ______
                                 

                            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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