H.R. No. 1234 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Rio Grande is an indispensable lifeline for the 1-2 inhabitants who reside on or near its banks in both Texas and 1-3 Mexico and who share both the river's beauty and its difficulties; 1-4 and 1-5 WHEREAS, Among the many challenges presented by the river are 1-6 water scarcity, pollution, resource management and regulation, and 1-7 growing competition among users in many parts of the Rio Grande 1-8 Basin; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Not only is the livelihood of area residents 1-10 threatened by the diminished quality and quantity of water 1-11 resources but irreplaceable habitat, along with its flora and 1-12 fauna, is also at risk; and 1-13 WHEREAS, In order to preserve this essential waterway for 1-14 future generations, citizens on both sides of the river must work 1-15 cooperatively to seek methods of protecting and maintaining the Rio 1-16 Grande; and 1-17 WHEREAS, To this end, it is appropriate that one day each 1-18 year be set aside for residents of both Texas and Mexico to 1-19 celebrate the breathtaking natural beauty and diversity of the Rio 1-20 Grande Basin and engage in activities that promote the health of 1-21 the river, its ecosystems, and the people who rely on its bounty; 1-22 now, therefore, be it 1-23 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 1-24 Legislature hereby designate the third Saturday in October of each 2-1 year as Dia del Rio, or Day of the River, in the Rio Grande Basin 2-2 and offer recognition to those volunteers and organizations that 2-3 tirelessly labor to sustain this vital international water 2-4 resource.