(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) announced today that the city of Spokane received a $20,400 grant from the national Preserve America Program, which recognizes cities for their commitment to historic preservation. McMorris accepted the award on behalf of the city at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. with First Lady Laura Bush and U.S. Secretary of Interior Gale Norton.

“One of my top priorities is to promote economic development and I want to commend the city of Spokane for its efforts to grow the economy while still maintaining the historic tradition of the city,” said McMorris. “Through the revitalization of downtown and the restoration of key historical landmarks, such as the Davenport Hotel, Fox Theater and the old city hall, Spokane will continue to grow and bring in tourists from across the country.”

“We are very pleased that the City of Spokane received the Preserve America Grant in the first round of national grant funding,” said Mayor Dennis Hession, “and we’re particularly pleased that Congresswoman McMorris was able to receive the award this week in Washington, D.C. on Spokane’s behalf.

"This grant will enable the City to work with its partners at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Spokane Partnership and Museum of Arts and Culture to produce marketing materials for several upcoming important events, such as the 2007 U.S. Figure Skating Championships & the Neighborhoods USA conference," Hession said.

Spokane was designated as a Preserve America Community in 2005, which made it eligible to apply for this first round of grant funding. The City of Spokane’s grant application was for a marketing campaign called “Experience Historic Spokane. The marketing materials will promote the historic character of downtown, and will include a plaque program, a web site, and a tourism brochure.

Preserve America is a White House initiative to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the Nation’s past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities. For more information visit this website.