WASHINGTON – Yesterday, on the 200^th anniversary of the Michigan Territory, the City of Alpena was awarded the designation of a 2005 Preserve America community by First Lady Laura Bush. Congressman Bart Stupak attended the ceremony in Washington, D.C. to accept the award from the Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton on behalf of the City of Alpena.

Secretary Norton presented the award saying that Alpena was recognized for “its continuing commitment to preserving and using its cultural and natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.”

Stupak said, “This program recognizes those communities that protect and celebrate their heritage and use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization. The City of Alpena is a perfect example of this kind of community.”  

Stupak said that combined with the recent designation by the State of Michigan as a “Cool City” it illustrates the community’s strong commitment to preservation and improvement.

“Because of the certified quality of the community and their additional qualifications as a historical site, Alpena is a worthwhile destination spot for tourists,” Stupak said. “This community, which began as a strong fishing village, is now known as being home to the National Thunder Bay Underwater Marine Sanctuary, a “Cool City” and a Preserve America Community.”

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