[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 131 (Thursday, September 6, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S11209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NEW MEXICO MAINSTREET ACCREDITATIONS

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, today I recognize several cities 
in New Mexico that have recently received national accreditation for 
completing the Main Street Four-Point Approach. The National Trust Main 
Street Center recently named nine cities' Main Street projects as being 
nationally accredited. Those nine communities include Artesia, Clayton, 
Clovis, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Raton, and Silver 
City.
  The work that has been done in these communities to preserve the 
history of downtown, as well as bring it into the 21st century, is to 
be honored. Main streets are a big part of every community's history. 
They provide a look into the past, and with these revitalizations, a 
positive look into the future. Downtown used to be the hub of a city. 
With the invention of the automobile, cities have spread out and often 
no longer have just one central area of activity. With these new 
improvements to local main streets, towns are beginning to experience 
businesses returning to these areas. These towns have been able to 
marry the past with the present. They are honoring old businesses that 
have been in downtown areas for years, while encouraging new businesses 
to open their doors in this district. The success of their efforts is 
evident by this award.
  I congratulate these cities on the good work they are doing to bring 
the main street appeal back into their communities.

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