By Denny                                               H.R. No. 168

         Line and page numbers may not match official copy.

         Bill not drafted by TLC or Senate E&E.

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, On February 19, 1997, many proud residents of

 1-2     Rockwall County will travel to Austin to celebrate Rockwall County

 1-3     Day at the State Capitol; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, The state's smallest county at just over 148 square

 1-5     miles, Rockwall County was founded in 1873 by a group of pioneering

 1-6     Texans in Kaufman County who staked out their own community in its

 1-7     northwestern corner because of their isolation from the county

 1-8     seat; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, The county was named for an extensive system of

1-10     subterranean walls that protrude above ground in rock outcroppings

1-11     unique to the area; discovered by settlers drilling for water, the

1-12     walls are thought by scientist to have been formed by the Balcones

1-13     Fault, but continue to fuel speculation as to their real origin

1-14     because of their unusual man-made appearance; and

1-15           WHEREAS, Blessed with an abundant natural water supply and

1-16     the fertile soil characteristic of the Blackland Prairie region,

1-17     the county initially prospered as a thriving agricultural and

1-18     ranching center and today enjoys a robust and diverse economy that

1-19     offers distinct advantages to the business community as well, with

1-20     its proximity to the Dallas metroplex area and its well-educated

1-21     and industrious populace; and

 2-1           WHEREAS, Rockwall County has experienced phenomenal growth in

 2-2     recent years, nearly doubling its 1980 population, and is currently

 2-3     home to some 30,000 residents who have found this county an ideal

 2-4     place in which to live, work, and raise a family; and

 2-5           WHEREAS, Citizens of Rockwall County are justifiably proud of

 2-6     their innovative and award-winning schools, where students

 2-7     consistently outperform their peers in state and national

 2-8     standardized tests, win top honors in academic competitions, and go

 2-9     on to attend college in vast numbers; and

2-10           WHEREAS, Recreational opportunities abound in this

2-11     picturesque county and include superb golfing at top-notch area

2-12     courses and unparalleled sailing at scenic Lake Ray Hubbard,

2-13     considered one of the best inland sailing lakes in the country; the

2-14     lake also is a popular destination for swimmers, fishermen, and

2-15     those just wishing to relax along its waters aboard the charming

2-16     paddle wheel boat, the Texas Queen, as participants in one of its

2-17     popular dinner cruises; and

2-18           WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike are treated to a wealth

2-19     of cultural opportunities as well, including the Rockwall County

2-20     Historical Museum, an art gallery featuring the work of local and

2-21     regional artists, the Hubbard Chamber Music Series, and other

2-22     musical performances by the local Lakeside Singers; and

2-23           WHEREAS, Proof positive that good things do come in small

2-24     packages, Rockwall County has indeed played a vital role in the

2-25     development of the Lone Star State, and it is a great pleasure to

 3-1     join with our fellow Texans in saluting this exemplary county and

 3-2     its citizens at this time; now, therefore, be it

 3-3           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 3-4     Legislature hereby declare Wednesday, February 19, 1997, as

 3-5     Rockwall County Day at the State Capitol and extend best wishes to

 3-6     all of its citizens on this special occasion.