[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26550]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE CITY OF NORTH TONAWANDA UPON RECEIVING THE AMERICAN 
        INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE FRIENDS OF ARCHITECTURE AWARD

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the City of 
North Tonawanda which is being recognized by the American Institute of 
Architecture with the Friends of Architecture Award.
  Located midway between the Cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, North 
Tonawanda is the 15th largest city in New York with a population of 
over 33,000 residents.
  Formerly a manufacturing hub, under the leadership of Mayor David 
Burgio, City Engineer Dale Marshall and Public Works Superintendent 
Gary Franklin, North Tonawanda is being transformed into a waterfront 
destination.
  The potential for waterfront development in Erie County is great and 
the City of North Tonawanda has set an example for the rest of the 
region.
  Gateway Park is a premiere attraction for residents and tourists 
alike. Thanks to new design and infrastructure improvements Gateway 
Park has come alive year-round with events such as Canal Fest, October 
Fest, Winter Walk, boat shows, and concerts.
  In addition, investments in North Tonawanda redevelopment have served 
as a catalyst for economic growth resulting in new businesses and jobs 
in the community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and gratitude that I stand 
here today to recognize the City of North Tonawanda as a Friend of 
Architecture. Their proactive approach to design and development 
highlights the natural, historical and architectural resources right 
here in our backyard.

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