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[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.
____________________