By Hirschi                                             H.R. No. 944
       74R12805 KMP-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The members of the Wichita County Heritage Society
    1-2  have for many years devoted their time, energy, and resources to
    1-3  the renovation of one of our state's most important historical
    1-4  landmarks, the Kemp and Kell Railroad Depot in Wichita Falls, and
    1-5  these outstanding Texans recently won much-deserved recognition and
    1-6  financial support for their efforts when the society was awarded a
    1-7  grant by the Texas Transportation Commission; and
    1-8        WHEREAS, Under the auspices of the Statewide Transportation
    1-9  Enhancement Program, the State of Texas will provide most of the
   1-10  funds for the renovation of this majestic old railroad station,
   1-11  which for 86 years has played a central role in the lives of
   1-12  Wichita Falls residents and that today is at the heart of a
   1-13  historical renaissance in the city's downtown district; and
   1-14        WHEREAS, When renovation has been completed, the Kemp and
   1-15  Kell Railroad Depot will be reopened to the public as a visitors
   1-16  center and will feature an information center and ticket and
   1-17  reservation offices for area events; model trains and railroad
   1-18  artifacts will be on display for visitors and residents of all
   1-19  ages, and the newly refurbished station also will house a small
   1-20  dining area; and
   1-21        WHEREAS, The Kemp and Kell Railroad Depot is an irreplaceable
   1-22  historical, architectural, and cultural resource for the community
   1-23  of Wichita Falls and for the entire State of Texas, and its
   1-24  preservation and renovation will ensure that its legacy will be
    2-1  passed on to generations of Texans for many years to come; now,
    2-2  therefore, be it
    2-3        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
    2-4  Legislature hereby congratulate the Wichita County Heritage Society
    2-5  on its receipt of a grant to restore the Kemp and Kell Railroad
    2-6  Depot and commend the members and volunteers of this exceptional
    2-7  organization for their hard work in preserving an important piece
    2-8  of Texas history; and, be it further
    2-9        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-10  prepared for the Wichita County Heritage Society as an expression
   2-11  of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.