[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1259-E1260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF THE MINEOLA MAIN STREET PROGRAM

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. LANCE GOODEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2019

  Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following 
proclamation.
  Whereas, in January 1989 the city of Mineola was chosen from several 
applicants throughout the state to participate in the Texas Main Street 
Program. The city has been a continuous member of the program for 30 
years and is the seventh oldest program in the state; and
  Whereas, the program's mission is to use the Main Street Four Point 
Approach to restore a positive image to downtown, while creating 
economic growth for our community. Our Main Street Program will be the 
vehicle to continue historic revitalization of downtown Mineola; and
  Whereas, monthly, quarterly and annual reports are filed with the 
Texas Historic Commission to document the economic aspects of the 
program; and
  Whereas, the Mineola Main Street District is bounded on the north by 
Blair and McDonald Streets, south to the city limits on Highway 69, 
east to the city limits, and west to the intersection of Kilpatrick 
Street with Highway 80; and
  Whereas, the Meredith Foundation has been instrumental in supporting 
the Mineola Main Street Program, providing over $1.2 million in grants 
for projects from its beginning through end of this year; and
  Whereas, in the past 10 years, the Mineola Main Street Board had 
approved 44 incentive grants in the amount of $35,765 for improvements 
in the Main Street District. The money for these grants was raised by 
the board and other volunteers; and
  Whereas, the Main Street Board has operated a successful Wine Train 
fundraiser with Amtrak to Fort Worth for 16 years; and
  Whereas, in the last decade, total reinvestment in the Mineola Main 
Street District by private ventures, public investment and joint 
projects has totaled $19,963,731; and
  Whereas, the grand total of reinvestment reported to the Texas 
Historic Commission over the 30 years of Main Street in Mineola is more 
than $32 million; and
  Whereas, over the 30 years, the Main Street Program has purchased, 
placed and overseen the placement of Christmas decorations downtown; 
and
  Whereas, in 2013 the city's Historic District was named to the U.S. 
Department of Interior's National Register of Historic Places; and
  Whereas, the Mineola Historical Museum was opened under the umbrella 
of the Main Street Program and celebrates its 10th anniversary this 
year; and
  Whereas, an interactive model train set in scenery replicating 1930s 
Mineola and its trains was purchased and is on display at the depot; 
and

[[Page E1260]]

  Whereas, a railroad track for a miniature train was constructed at 
Iron Horse Square by volunteers. A quarter-scale miniature Union 
Pacific train is operated on a regular schedule by volunteers for the 
public on this track; and
  Whereas, a mural depicting several iconic images of Mineola was a 
Main Street project completed in 2018. Ideas for the concept were 
sought from Mineola students, and the concept was painted by a Mineola 
High School art graduate, beautifying a wall on the west side of 
downtown; and
  Whereas, the Main Street Board has enjoyed sponsorships and 
partnerships with private businesses and community organizations 
through the years;
  Whereas, the Main Street Board, under the supervision of the city, 
continues to make strides in historical preservation, economic 
vitality, and concentrated marketing that will foster continued growth 
in our community; Therefore be it
  Resolved, that the Main Street Program will continue to support 
rehabilitation and development of places in our town where memories 
were made, with the desire that more memories will be formed and 
cherished by new generations who continue to visit our downtown.

                          ____________________