Press Release For Immediate Release April 8, 2003 Share Your Idea for a Monument to the District's History (Washington, DC) The DC Commemorative Works Committee, supported by the Office of Planning (OP), today announced an application process for groups to construct commemorative works on District-owned public space. Under the guidelines: A federal or District agency, or a private, non-profit group, must sponsor a commemorative work for land owned or controlled by the District The group must provide for all design, construction and future maintenance costs Priority will be given to commemorative works that honor local individuals, groups, events or other important elements of the District's culture or history. Generally, the individual to be commemorated must be deceased 10 years; or the event must have occurred at least 10 years prior to the application's submission. "While we plan for the future of our city, it's important that we remember our history," DC Office of Planning Director Andrew Altman said. "Public commemorative works can help preserve the unique character of District neighborhoods, and tell the story of the people and events of our city's past." Proposals for commemorative works are submitted to and reviewed by the 12-member Commemorative Works Committee. Applications are then sent to Mayor Anthony A. Williams and the DC Council with recommendations for final action. About the Commemorative Works Committee Established in spring/summer 2001, the committee was created by the "Commemorative Works on Public Space Amendment Act of 2000" (DC Law 13- 275). The committee has members from nine District agencies, including the OP and the Historic Preservation Review Board, as well as three resident members appointed by Mayor Williams. For more information on the committee, and application instructions and forms, visit www.planning.dc.gov.