By Krusee                                            H.C.R. No. 317

         75R17184 PAN-D                           

                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately convey the deep shock felt

 1-2     by citizens throughout the state, and indeed the nation, at the

 1-3     devastation wreaked by severe weather in the Central Texas

 1-4     communities of Jarrell and Cedar Park; and             

 1-5           WHEREAS, On May 27, 1997, at 4:05 p.m. a tornado swept

 1-6     through Williamson County and touched down in Jarrell; with

 1-7     stunning swiftness, the storm leveled 50 homes, claiming the lives

 1-8     of approximately 30 people and injuring countless more; today, the

 1-9     death toll continues to rise and some 23 people remain missing; and

1-10           WHEREAS, From there, the storm continued on its path of

1-11     destruction, ravaging homes in the Buttercup Creek subdivision of

1-12     Cedar Park, where it also collapsed the roof of an Albertson's

1-13     store, injuring several individuals inside; and

1-14           WHEREAS, Sadly, this is not the first time tragedy  has

1-15     struck Williamson County, for on May 17, 1989, another deadly

1-16     tornado struck the town of Jarrell, killing one individual and

1-17     causing $3 million in property damage; and

1-18           WHEREAS, While those involved struggle to rebuild their lives

1-19     in the aftermath of this devastating incident, our thoughts and

1-20     prayers are with them, and we wish to encourage all Texans to

1-21     extend a helping hand to their neighbors in need and to react to

1-22     this tragedy with the utmost compassion, generosity, and

1-23     commitment; now, therefore, be it

1-24           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

 2-1     hereby honor the memory of the Texans who died as a result of the

 2-2     tornadoes that hit Central Texas and extend deepest sympathy to all

 2-3     those whose lives have been profoundly affected by this terrible

 2-4     tragedy; and, be it further

 2-5           RESOLVED, That when the Texas House of Representatives and

 2-6     Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of the innocent

 2-7     victims of the Central Texas tornadoes.