By:  Parra                                             H.R. No. 623
       73R9363 LBD-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The city of Socorro, one of the oldest communities
    1-2  in the state, will celebrate its 122nd anniversary on April 26,
    1-3  1993; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Originally part of a Spanish land grant, the region
    1-5  was first settled by descendants of the conquistadores who
    1-6  traversed the area in 1598; having founded a mission named La
    1-7  Purisima Concepcion de Socorro in 1691, early settlers of the area
    1-8  helped to establish a chain of missions along the Rio Grande
    1-9  extending from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to the Gulf of Mexico; and
   1-10        WHEREAS, Key elements in the development of these remote
   1-11  regions of the state, the missions served as the centers of
   1-12  cultural, economic, and religious activity throughout the region,
   1-13  and ranching and farming communities gradually developed in the
   1-14  surrounding areas; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, Socorro became a part of the Republic of Texas in
   1-16  1835, and the town was incorporated by an act of the 12th
   1-17  Legislature of the State of Texas in 1871; since that time, the
   1-18  citizens of this small yet dynamic municipality have worked
   1-19  diligently to encourage the community's increasing growth and
   1-20  prosperity; and
   1-21        WHEREAS, The present town council, under the able leadership
   1-22  of Mayor Rogelio Lozoya, is making great strides in encouraging
   1-23  greater progress and economic vitality for the community by
   1-24  acquiring funding for affordable housing, improved water and sewer
    2-1  services, and increased employment opportunities; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, Though the original La Purisima Concepcion de
    2-3  Socorro mission was destroyed by flooding in the 1740s and again in
    2-4  1828, the present structure, which was rebuilt in 1843, stands
    2-5  today as a symbol of the strong spirit of conviction, sacrifice,
    2-6  and cooperation that has carried this town through more than a
    2-7  century of development, and Texans everywhere can take pride in the
    2-8  ongoing accomplishments of the citizens of this fine community;
    2-9  now, therefore, be it
   2-10        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
   2-11  Legislature hereby honor the city of Socorro on the occasion of its
   2-12  122nd anniversary and join its citizens in paying tribute to one of
   2-13  Texas' most historic communities; and, be it further
   2-14        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-15  prepared for the city of Socorro as an expression of high regard by
   2-16  the Texas House of Representatives.