[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       WOMEN FOR THE WATER WORKS JUNE 9, 2009 DEDICATION CEREMONY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2009

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
the Women of the Water Works upon the completion of the extensive 
restoration of the Fairmount Water Works. What was once one of the most 
popular tourist attractions of the 19th century will again enchant and 
educate both Philadelphia visitors and residents.
  The Water Works began operation in the 1790s when a yellow fever 
epidemic hit Philadelphia. People blamed the disease on the filth that 
coated city streets and looked for a way to deliver drinking water and 
wash roads. Construction on the Water Works began in 1812, and after 
three years, clean water was being pumped to the homes of Philadelphia.
  In ten short years, the Water Works was pumping over five million 
gallons of water daily. This engineering marvel was praised by many 
tourists and admirers, including Mark Twain and Charles Dickens. In 
1909, the Water Works was closed due to pollution in the Schuylkill 
River.
  In 1976, the Water Works was recognized as a National Historic 
Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Shortly before the 
announcement, the Junior League of Philadelphia initiated a campaign to 
preserve this treasure. Since that time, other organizations have 
joined the effort to return this landmark to its former status as a 
prime recreational, educational, and historic attraction.
  By the turn of the 21st century, Women for the Water Works 
spearheaded a $26 million project to restore the Water Works, as well 
as to incorporate a new Interpretative Center. The Interpretive Center 
opened its doors in 2003 with a mission ``to educate citizens to 
understand their community and environment, especially the urban 
watershed, know how to guide the community and environment in the 
future, and understand the connections between daily life and the 
natural environment.''
  In 2008, the Women for the Water Works reached their fundraising goal 
of $5 million for the final phase of the project, bringing the total 
dollars raised to more than $28 million since renovations began thirty 
years ago. It is commendable that the funds raised are not only 
restoring the site for today, but will ensure that future generations 
will be able to enjoy the restored Water Works for years to come.
  I share with the Women of the Water Works and the people of 
Philadelphia a common concern about wildlife, the environment, and the 
preservation of natural resources, as well as a commitment to a 
sustainable, livable City and region.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 
Fairmount Water Works and thanking the Women of the Water Works who 
worked tirelessly to protect and preserve this special gem.

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