City of Hoquiam earns Municipal Excellence Award

 Olympia, WA  June 25, 2009 - On June 25, 2009, the City of Hoquiam was honored with a Municipal Excellence Award from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) at their Annual Conference in Spokane.

The City of Hoquiam won the Economic Development category for their Historic Train Depot Restoration. This project utilized $1.2 million dollars in federal transportation funding to preserve and restore a 1911 Burlington Northern Railroad Train Station in historic downtown Hoquiam. The depot is a major economic development success and catalyst for the city, revitalizing the downtown district spurring further significant economic development projects and directly bringing in 2500 new business customers each month.

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As the first full restoration of a commercial building in Hoquiam, the depot sets a precedent for future restoration projects, not only with the design but with the function as well. The city strongly believes that preservation and revitalization of its downtown core is vital to continued existence, community identity, and future green economy. They have found a way to reshape their economy by capitalizing on their past while preserving their future.

"We remain committed to economic development through historic preservation as it plays an important role in our sustainable economy. This project demonstrates our commitment to Governor Gregoire's Next Washington initiative. We are the Gateway to the Next Washington," said Mayor Jack Durney

Out of 60 entries, Hoquiam's entry was one of seven projects selected to receive an Excellence Award at AWC's 76^th Annual Conference. Entries are judged by subject category and each category has one winner. The awards are judged by individuals outside of AWC, who are selected for their knowledge of and enthusiasm for local government. 

The Municipal Excellence Awards are presented to cities that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in promoting community excellence. The competition recognizes a community's achievement and encourages other cities to develop similar programs. The hard work and dedication proven in each of the projects makes a community stronger especially when the focus is on improving tomorrow.

"The Municipal Excellence Award demonstrates the high level of innovation and commitment to developing strong communities by city officials across the state of Washington," said AWC Acting Executive Director Mike McCarty

AWC is proud of each of the cities that entered Municipal Excellence projects. It is that show of dedication and hard work that make Washington's cities and towns so great.