First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary Alphonso Jackson
Announce New Preserve America Initiative Component

Nashville, TN - First Lady Laura Bush and HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson were in Nashville, TN, Tuesday to announce a new component of the Preserve America Initiative. Preserve America is the White House Initiative led by Mrs. Bush, which encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural heritage.HUD is one of several federal agencies partnering in the Initiative with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. HUD Region IV Director Bob Young, who just completed a term as a Member of the Advisory Council also, chaired the Preservation Initiatives Committee. Director Young participated in the Nashville event and was recognized during remarks by Secretary Jackson.

The new component-Preserve America-Neighborhoods now makes it possible for individual neighborhoods within cities to receive Preserve America designation enabling them to benefit from federal grant matching funds. Prior to the new neighborhood component, designation was open to municipalities, counties, unincorporated communities within counties and Indian tribes. The program currently includes 261 communities in 43 states, most of which are rural. The City of Franklin, TN is the only Tennessee community currently designated as a Preserve America Community.

Secretary Jackson introduced Frist Lady Bush at the event, held at Nashville's Historic East Literature Magnet School, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and recently underwent a $7 million restoration/renovation. During his remarks Secretary Jackson stated "The announcement is being made in Nashville because of the city's commitment to preserve neighborhoods."

The crowd of an estimated 500 persons was also addressed by Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior and John Nau, III, Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Mayor Bill Purcell, Nashville, TN, and Mayor Tom Miller, Franklin were present for the announcement.