Hoyer Announces Federal Funds for BRAVA
Following are Congressman Hoyer's remarks, as prepared for delivery.
"About 4 years ago, Abby Banks of BRAVA and Councilwoman Audrey Scott came to me to talk about constructing a new performing arts center in Bowie.
"The challenges before them were enormous, but they, along with the leaders and residents of this community, had a vision and a worthy goal-to create a performing arts center that would serve as a destination for music, dance, and theater.
"Through your fundraisers, your partnership with private companies, and your work with the community, you have prevailed. Oh, how far we have come!
"Music, dance, and theater are the means by which we make sense of our world-how we communicate with others when our everyday words will not suffice. The performing arts give meaning to our place and time in the world.
"This community had a vision of a place that would serve as the center of enjoyment of music, dance, and theater; where students, teachers, residents, and civic leaders can come together and explore their appreciation of performing arts.
"I can think of no better way to provide our children with a venue to express themselves and hone their talents while offering the general public a venue to appreciate performances than the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.
"It is with great pleasure that I stand here as part of this effort and announce that I was able to secure $160,000 in the fiscal year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations bill for BRAVA to complete construction of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.
"Coupled with the $375,000 we secured in fiscal year 2001 appropriations, the federal commitment to this project stands at more than $500,000, a vote of confidence from us in the Congress that you are doing the right thing.
"The Center includes an 800-seat theater and 500-car free parking area. There will be a recital hall and multi-use lobby to accommodate the full spectrum of performance possibilities and civic events.
"The Center is fully accessible to people with disabilities, including patrons, disabled actors, musicians, technicians and center staff and available for training and therapeutic opportunities for the disabled.
"The impact of this Performing Arts Center will reverberate throughout Prince George's County and attract patrons and businesses from beyond the County's borders.
"You should be proud. Not only have you ensured that Bowie would become the center of performing arts in this region, you have also proven that a community can pull together, connect public and private resources, and realize a worthy goal that will bring real progress to this area.
"You have given a great gift to the children of this community-access to cultural treasures that are often beyond the reach of many. I applaud you."
Gordon Stewart, president of BRAVA, the nonprofit organization that has built the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), stated: "BRAVA and the citizens of Prince George's County deeply appreciate Representative Hoyer's initiatives and personal commitment in support of the BCPA. The wait is over!"
At Congressman Hoyer's request, $160,000 was included in the Federal Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2004 to help complete construction of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts. The Center will be available to public and private school children for rehearsals, shop classes, performances, and after-school activities. The Bowie Regional Arts Vision Association anticipates that 55,000 patrons will visit annually, making the Center the centerpiece of Prince George's County's commercial areas.
The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts reached Phase 3 construction on January 29, 2004 and is only 11 weeks away from completion, according to the Bowie Regional Arts Vision Association Quarterly Report.
Congressman Steny Hoyer is the only member from Maryland in the House of Representatives who is a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee.
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