[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 108 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1543-E1544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE GREATER RACINE AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2003

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Con. Res. 230, which honors the ten communities that received the 
National Civic League's All-America City

[[Page E1544]]

Award for 2003. As the latest recipients of the prestigious 54-year-old 
award, these communities embody the spirit of American democracy by 
demonstrating how cooperation between citizens, businesses, volunteer 
organizations, and local government leads to the resolution of the 
critical problems facing America's cities.
  I am extremely proud to represent the Greater Racine Area, an All-
America city and a tremendous asset to Wisconsin's First Congressional 
District. Over the past few years, the citizens of Racine and the 
surrounding area have worked diligently to implement multiple 
initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of those who live 
in Racine County. For example, the Racine Area Intergovernmental 
Sanitary Sewer Service, Revenue Sharing, Cooperation and Settlement 
Agreement is an initiative that uses revenue from Racine's outlying 
communities to make improvements to the city's wastewater treatment 
infrastructure and enhance the city's cultural attractions such as its 
zoo, fine arts museum and library. A second initiative, the West Sixth 
Street Revitalization effort involves the participation of citizens, 
local businesses and government to help rebuild run-down homes in the 
inner city. Finally, the Racine County Youth As Resources (YAR) program 
is an exemplary project that encourages young people to take an active 
role in improving their own neighborhoods. This program provides grants 
for youth-led community service projects such as neighborhood cleanup 
programs, educational programs and services for the elderly.
  I commend the citizens of the Greater Racine Area for their 
dedication to improving their community and applaud their willingness 
to employ innovative methods and basic American ideals toward the 
achievement of that goal. Racine, Wisconsin is truly a role model for 
other communities to follow and a deserving recipient of the 2003 All-
America City Award. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H. 
Con. Res. 230, honoring the Greater Racine Area and the other nine 
communities that symbolize America's strong tradition of embracing 
civic responsibility and upholding the tenets of democracy.

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