Good evening and greetings.

I want to first commend the members of the Augusta Canal Authority, the Department of the Interior and the Augusta Commission who have contributed to make today a special day in the long, historic life of this waterway.

The Augusta Canal grew out of a vision for the benefits industrial development would bring to our local economy.

The sweat equity of the construction workers – and slaves – who built this waterway was but the first investment.

More recent investments include the development of the master plan with its bridges and trails….the acquisition of the King Mill property….and the environmental cleanup of the third level.

And the dedication tonight of this important visitor center shows Augusta’s continued commitment to the vision of our ancestors.

Your work is also an important element in Preserve America, the new White House initiative developed in co-operation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the U. S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The goals, as outlined by First Lady Laura Bush, include:

A greater shared knowledge about the Nation’s past

Strengthened regional identities and local pride

Increased local participation in preserving our irreplaceable heritage

And, support for economic health and well-being of our communities

And in that spirit, today is not just a special day for Augusta, but for America!