[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 13, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF PORTAGE, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2013

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of the City of Portage, Michigan--A Natural Place to Move.
  On February 18, 1963, residents of Portage Township voted 3,762 to 
2,315 in favor of becoming a city. On December 31, 1963, the City of 
Portage was formally incorporated. From just over 20,000 residents in 
1963, Portage is now home to over 46,000. Historically, Portage grew as 
a crossroads for traders in the 19th century and benefitted from 
fertile farmland and abundant natural resources.
  Today, Portage is a vibrant community with affordable, safe housing 
in well-maintained neighborhoods; hundreds of successful commercial and 
industrial businesses; and is the retail crossroads of southwest 
Michigan. This strong, diverse community is family-focused and proudly 
boasts over 2,000 acres of park and recreational space, 56 miles of 
bikeways, three nature preserves and seven lakes that connect its 
citizens and visitors to each other and the natural world.
  The City of Portage is a robust community that excels with an 
accredited public safety department, low tax rate, accredited senior 
citizen center, comprehensive and efficient city services, diverse 
employment opportunities, an excellent public school system, award-
winning district library and world-class healthcare that together 
facilitate an economic climate that allows Portage residents to thrive. 
Quite simply, it is a great place to live, work, and play.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the City of Portage and applaud 
the city on its 50th anniversary. A momentous milestone for a 
remarkable community.

                          ____________________