[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 106 (Tuesday, July 23, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S5837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                            TUALATIN, OREGON

 Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, today I wish to celebrate the 
centennial anniversary of the city of Tualatin, OR.
  Since its founding, the city of Tualatin has exhibited continued 
growth and increasing prosperity. The city began as the small town of 
Galbreath in 1853, comprising just 23 families. With the construction 
of the first bridge across the Tualatin River in 1856 and the arrival 
of the Portland and Willamette Railway Company in 1866, which attracted 
business from Portland and throughout the Willamette Valley, the town's 
population and economic importance increased.
  Over the 100 years since its incorporation on August 18, 1913, the 
city of Tualatin grew from a rural suburb to a vibrant urban city that 
supports 27,000 residents and 20,000 jobs. Located only 12 miles south 
of Portland and bisected by two major railways, Tualatin hosts new 
high-tech industries and upscale shopping centers such as Bridgeport 
Village.
  The city's economic success is complemented by city officials' 
impressive leadership on environmentally aware urban development 
initiatives, enhancing residents' quality of life and providing an 
example to other Oregon cities of responsible urban planning. The 
Tualatin Commons, a public/private partnership featuring a three-acre 
manmade lake, a wide public promenade and plaza, and an interactive 
fountain provides recreational and entertainment opportunities. With 
over 200 acres of parks, trails, and natural areas, Tualatin also 
preserves green spaces for the public to enjoy.
  The citizens of Tualatin are engaged and motivated, fostering a 
close-knit and thriving community. Each year area organizations 
organize the Crawfish Festival, which attracts an estimated 12,000 
people and features local food, crafts, and music. The locally 
developed Citizen Involvement Organization program encourages residents 
to further improve life within Tualatin by funding community projects.
  Throughout the last 100 years, the leaders and citizens of Tualatin 
have made invaluable contributions to the Portland metropolitan region 
and to the State of Oregon as a whole. I offer my sincerest 
congratulations during this celebration and look forward to many more 
years of prosperity for Tualatin.

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