GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS MAY 9 - 15 HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan has proclaimed May 9- 15, 1999 as Illinois Historic Preservation Week, encouraging all Illinois citizens to enjoy the heritage embodied in their communities' historic properties and to become involved in local preservation programs.

"Historic preservation programs enhance a community's quality of life," Ryan said. "It is important for all of us to take part in promoting and protecting Illinois' unique heritage."

Governor Ryan pointed to public-private partnerships as an effective way to implement historic preservation on the community level. These include the historic preservation tax incentive programs available to property owners who restore and use historic properties; the Certified Local Government program, which recognizes communities that place a high priority on preservation; the National Register of Historic Places program, which offers recognition for nationally significant historic properties; and the downtown revitalization efforts of the Illinois Main-Street program.

The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency oversees the state's preservation efforts.

Illinois Historic Preservation Week coincides with National Historic Preservation Week, which is coordinated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.