[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 111 (Thursday, September 8, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9826-S9827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SIGOURNEY, IOWA, IMPROVEMENTS

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, one of the greatest challenges we 
face--not just in Iowa but all across America--is preserving the 
character and vitality of our small towns. This is about economics, but 
it is also about our culture and

[[Page S9827]]

identity. After all, you won't find the heart and soul of Iowa at Wal-
Mart or Home Depot out in the strip malls. No, the heart and soul of 
Iowa is in our family farms, and on Main Street in small communities 
all across my State. That is why we need to be as generous as 
possible--and creative as possible--in keeping our downtowns not just 
alive but thriving.
  As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'm involved in 
funding many hundreds of programs every year. But the Main Street Iowa 
program--providing challenge grants to revitalize downtown buildings 
across my State--is in a class by itself. It's smart. It's effective. 
And it touches communities and people in very concrete ways.
  For example, the citizens of Sigourney, IA, have been working hard to 
improve the image and opportunities offered by their downtown. Forty 
thousand dollars was awarded to the Sigourney Main Street-Chamber in 
the form of a Main Street Challenge Grant. The money was used to 
renovate the building that now houses the Copper Lantern, a restaurant, 
and Van's Lofts. Each property is on a prominent corner in Sigourney's 
downtown. Van's Lofts will provide high quality residential living with 
four new rental units, and the Copper Lantern now offers another dining 
option.
  The beauty of the Main Street Iowa program is that the ideas and 
initiatives come from our small towns and rural communities. I have 
been pleased to secure $1.5 million in funding since 2002 for Main 
Street Iowa Challenge Grants. The Main Street programs of the Iowa 
Department of Economic Development help provide technical assistance, 
but, as we have seen in Sigourney, success itself comes from local 
leadership, local teamwork, and home-grown ideas and solutions.
  This project is a shining example of new construction and a catalyst 
for future projects. When people see one of the anchors of Main Street 
being renovated or expanded, this can change the whole psychology of a 
town or community. It offers hope. It serves as a catalyst for a far-
reaching ripple effect of positive changes. Both of these projects are 
cornerstones of community development, and serve as an inspiration to 
other property owners in the area.
  I congratulate the citizens of Sigourney for putting together a 
winning proposal to secure a Main Street Challenge Grant. Their efforts 
to reinvigorate their historic downtown are setting a terrific example 
for other small towns across America, and for that, I salute 
them.

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