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.