ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov
(Phoenix, AZ -- June 16, 2012) - The National Trust's Historic Preservation-based Economic Development initiative called "The Main Street Program," will be transferred to the Arizona State Parks Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as of the signing of the certification tonight. The success of the 30-year-old economic development program lies in local revitalization organizations, statewide coordinating agencies and the National Main Street Center located in Washington, D.C.
The Main Street movement has transformed the way communities think aboutthe revitalization and management of their downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. Fourteen towns in Arizona have participated heavily in the program and many of those communities are luring visitors to their historic downtowns everyday which creates prosperous and sustainable communities. Main Street is a key economic engine of the community, especially for small rural towns. Main Streets feature the history of the towns through exploration of the local culture, food and architecture. (See preservationnation.org for more information about Main Streets.)
"We will manage the Arizona State Parks SHPO Arizona Main Street Programwhich will provide local communities with historic preservation training and workshops, technical assistance and reviews of Arizona's Main Street Programs for national compliance," said State Historic Preservation Officer Jim Garrison. "Funding in the past from the Arizona Lottery is not available, so other funding sources must be identified. "
"We believe the transfer of this important rural economic development program from the former Commerce Department to the Arizona State Parks State Historic Preservation Office is just an extension of our Certified Local Government and archaeological protecting Site Steward programs that we manage for communities already," said State Parks Director Bryan Martyn.
Communities that have participated in Arizona are: Lake Havasu Uptown Association, Prescott Downtown Partnership, Buckeye Main Street, Casa Grande Main Street, Florence Main Street, Safford Main Street, Nogales Main Street, Historic Globe Main Street, Pinetop Lakeside Main Street, Show Low Main Street, Apache Junction Main Street, Payson Main Street, and Williams Main Street.
For more information about Arizona's 27 State Parks, statewide hiking opportunities, off-highway vehicle trails, and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities, go to the website at AZStateParks.com or call (602) 542-4174 or (800) 285-3703 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at AZStateParks.
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http://azstateparks.com/press/2012/PR_06-16-12.html
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