R2007-24 AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF CITY FUNDS

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Lincoln & Technology Award Will be given to a person, company, business, or educational institution. Lincoln spoke of the desirability of substituting horse-drawn machines for hand power, and the potential usefulness of steam plows. He urged more intensive cultivation in order to increase production to the full capacity of the soil. In addition, Lincoln took an active interest in advancing the causes and technologies of agriculture, both professionally as a lawyer, and individually, as the only President to ever receive a patent. This desire to see continued improvements in all the advancements in harvesting and cultivating was specifically noted in his speech about scientific farming methods at the Wisconsin State Fair in 1859. This award will be for an individual, company, business or educational institution that has demonstrated the same dedication and purpose to its professional endeavors that so marked the dedication shown by Abraham Lincoln to the profession of agriculture and agri-business. Lincoln & Agri-Business Will be given to a person, company, business or educational institution. Abraham Lincoln had first hand knowledge of the importance of agriculture and foodstuffs. Being a clerk and co-owner of a dry goods/grocery store in New Salem, Lincoln understood the importance of how an agri-business enterprise could succeed, and even, fail. His focus on the importance of the role that transportation played in getting agricultural products to market culminated with one of the greatest achievements during his presidency, The Pacifrc Railroad Act of 1862. This Act provided for the selection and construction of the route that became the transcontinental railroad. The railroad allowed for the opening of the West with all of the established Midwest and Eastem agriculture. It also gave greater outlet to businesses that would become giants in agri-business, such as ADM. In addition, by coupling the Pacific Railroad Act with President Lincoln's previous signing into law of the Homestead Act, Western migration was greatly increased by providing settlers 160 acres of public land. In exchange, homesteaders paid a small filing fee and were required to complete five years of continuous residence before receiving ownership of the land. After six months of residency, homesteaders also had the option of purchasing the land from the govemment for$1.25 per acre. The Homestead Act led to the distribution of 80 million acres of public land by 1900. This award will be for an individual, company, business or educational institution that has demonstrated the same dedication and purpose to its professional endeavors that so marked the dedication shown by Abraham Lincoln to the profession of agriculture and agri-business.