[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 72 (Thursday, May 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E926-E927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF THE GRAND LEDGE ISLAND RESTORATION PROJECT FOR 
     WINNING THE 2004 STATE OF MICHIGAN COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
community of Grand Ledge, Michigan for the successful completion of the 
Island Park Restoration Project. For the past five years, countless 
individuals and groups have persistently worked with patience and pride 
to restore the luster of the cultural, recreational, and economic gem 
nestled in the heart of Grand Ledge.
  The Island Park is a 2.5-acre recreation facility in downtown Grand 
Ledge. It is an integral part of Grand Ledge's history and culture, and 
it serves as one of the city's main tourist attractions. Beginning in 
the 1870s, Grand Ledge was characterized as a charming summer resort 
town situated on the banks of the majestic Grand River. The principal 
attraction was the picturesque scenery, with intermingled cliff, river, 
and island views. As many as 12 trainloads of visitors from across the 
state would visit the city each day.

[[Page E927]]

  Today, the economics of tourism is just as important to Grand Ledge 
as it was over 125 years ago. An estimated $1 million is generated 
annually for the community from events held at the Island Park, such as 
the Color Cruise & Island Festival, the Island Art Fair, and the 
Mudge's Follies variety show.
  The Island Restoration Project began in earnest when the city 
received a Clean Michigan Initiative grant from the Michigan Department 
of Natural Resources in 2001. Of the $666,000 needed for the project, 
the state provided $455,000 and Grand Ledge contributed $211,000, 
including $90,000 from community donations. The vast restoration, 
erosion control, and landscaping was done during the spring, summer, 
and fall of 2003. The work included adding pathways, new grass, new 
trees, decorative iron benches and lampposts, electrical and water 
conduits, gazebo restoration, and a viewing area with benches. The 
completed project is a culmination of five years of meticulous 
community planning, fantastic grant writing, creative fund raising, and 
extensive cooperation.
  Grand Ledge Island Restoration Project Steering Committee members 
included Graydon Briggs, Karla Chamberlain, Rich Cissel, Steve 
Graszler, Susan Sasse, Tim Sattler, Kalmin Smith, Mike Stevens, Pete 
Stoughton, Mary Suurmeyer, Warren Wells, Cathy Wilhm, Don Willems, and 
Kay Wyszynski. These are extremely civic-minded individuals who also 
serve as members of the City Council, the Planning Commission, the 
Parks and Recreation Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown 
Development Authority, and the Historical Society. City Administrator 
Jon Bayless and Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Marv Hummel 
handled the day-to-day details and kept the project on track.
  On behalf of the United States Congress, it is with great pleasure 
that I rise today to extend our highest praise and congratulations to 
the community of Grand Ledge, Michigan for restoring the Island Park 
for all to enjoy.

                          ____________________