S.R. No. 219
    1-1                           SENATE RESOLUTION
    1-2        WHEREAS, On Wednesday, February 22, 1995, Matagorda County
    1-3  Day will be celebrated by the proud citizens of Matagorda County
    1-4  in recognition of their illustrious county and its contributions
    1-5  to the State of Texas; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Situated along the Gulf of Mexico between Brazoria
    1-7  and Calhoun counties, this lush area consists of more than 1,100
    1-8  square miles, including Matagorda Bay, and the land is drained
    1-9  by the Colorado River, Caney Creek, and Tres Palacios Creek; and
   1-10        WHEREAS, Often called "The Cradle of Texas History," Matagorda
   1-11  County was first settled by people brought in under the auspices
   1-12  of Stephen F. Austin; agriculture was the primary source of income
   1-13  and the main crops were cotton and sugarcane; after the Civil War
   1-14  cattle ranching became the chief source of income since both the
   1-15  war and the boll weevil destroyed cotton crops; and
   1-16        WHEREAS, Railroad development became a major reason for the
   1-17  growth of Matagorda County around 1898; Bay City was established
   1-18  in 1894 and became the county seat; and
   1-19        WHEREAS, According to the 1990 census, the total population
   1-20  of Matagorda County is around 37,000; the modern-day economy is
   1-21  based on agriculture, petrochemicals, nuclear power, plastics,
   1-22  oil and gas, and oilfield services; and
   1-23        WHEREAS, The recreational attractions of this area are
    2-1  manifold; there are major parks and the Gulf of Mexico which
    2-2  provide ample opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment; and
    2-3        WHEREAS, There are many civic organizations which sponsor
    2-4  annual events each year; among these events are the Matagorda
    2-5  County Rodeo, Cinco de Mayo, Blessing of the Fleet, Bayfest,
    2-6  Rice Festival, and Market Days; and
    2-7        WHEREAS, Adding to the rich cultural heritage of the area
    2-8  are two museums and many historical sites; and
    2-9        WHEREAS, Among the chief assets of the county are its friendly
   2-10  and hospitable citizenry; the residents of this area have made it
   2-11  one of the outstanding areas of the state; and
   2-12        WHEREAS, The many contributions of the residents of the county
   2-13  to the State of Texas are truly worthy of legislative recognition
   2-14  and praise; and
   2-15        WHEREAS, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for the
   2-16  Texas Senate to honor this outstanding Texas county and its fine
   2-17  citizens; now, therefore, be it
   2-18        RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
   2-19  74th Legislature, hereby extend sincere congratulations to the
   2-20  citizens of Matagorda County on its special day and offer best
   2-21  wishes for a memorable and joyous celebration; and, be it further
   2-22        RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
   2-23  Matagorda County as a memento of this special day.
   2-24                                                 Armbrister
   2-25        Barrientos           Leedom              Rosson
    3-1        Bivins               Lucio               Shapiro
    3-2        Brown                Luna                Sibley
    3-3        Cain                 Madla               Sims
    3-4        Ellis                Moncrief            Truan
    3-5        Gallegos             Montford            Turner
    3-6        Galloway             Nelson              Wentworth
    3-7        Harris               Nixon               West
    3-8        Haywood              Patterson           Whitmire
    3-9        Henderson            Ratliff             Zaffirini
   3-10                   Bullock, President of the Senate
   3-11                               ______________________________________
   3-12                                       President of the Senate
   3-13                                    I hereby certify that the above
   3-14                               Resolution was adopted by the Senate
   3-15                               on February 15, 1995.
   3-16                               ______________________________________
   3-17                                       Secretary of the Senate
   3-18                               ______________________________________
   3-19                                        Member, Texas Senate