[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, RI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2003

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the city of 
Pawtucket, RI. The U.S. Conference of Mayors chose to profile Pawtucket 
as one of 28 cities exemplifying the nation's best small business 
practices. The city's Arts and Entertainment Initiative is an example 
of how government policies can encourage creativity, innovation, 
development and economic growth.
  Pawtucket has been attractive to artists since Samuel Slater founded 
America's textile industry there in 1783. In 1998, Pawtucket created a 
307-acre Arts and Entertainment District, which has gained nationwide 
recognition in four short years for being a great place to create and 
sell artwork.
  The Pawtucket city government has encouraged artists to relocate by 
forgiving within the district sales tax for limited production works of 
art and state income tax for artists. In addition, studio space is 
available for one-third the rental rate of nearby Boston.
  Mayor James Doyle has capitalized on the fact that artists fuel 
economic growth and has stated, ``Some say a picture is worth a 
thousand words. But here in our City, we know that it's worth a lot 
more.'' The Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program estimates that for 
every three artists that relocate to Pawtucket, an additional two jobs 
are generated in the state's economy. The Arts and Entertainment 
District is generating more than $1 million annually for the statewide 
economy.
  I am proud that a city in my state of Rhode Island has earned this 
distinction, and I hope that other cities follow Pawtucket's lead and 
develop innovative small business practices to contribute to economic 
growth.

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