R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to join

 1-2     the citizens of Aransas County in the joyous celebration of Aransas

 1-3     County Day at the State Capitol on March 18, 1997; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, Located on the southern Coastal Plains, the county

 1-5     was created from Refugio County in 1871 and was named for Rio

 1-6     Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, which had taken its name from a famed

 1-7     Spanish palace; and

 1-8           WHEREAS, Its prime location has helped Aransas County to

 1-9     flourish, and it continues to contribute greatly to the state's

1-10     fiscal prosperity; the county enjoys a strong and diversified

1-11     economic base, with agribusiness, tourism, shipbuilding, oil and

1-12     gas production, and fish packing as its major industries; and

1-13           WHEREAS, Residents of Aransas County are justifiably proud of

1-14     the region's rich heritage; the Karankawa Indians once made their

1-15     home in this verdant setting, and Spanish explorer Diego Ortiz

1-16     Parrilla travelled across the area in 1766 on an expedition along

1-17     the Gulf Coast; since that time, countless others have been drawn

1-18     to the region's abundant supply of natural and cultural resources;

1-19     and

1-20           WHEREAS, Outdoor sports enthusiasts have come to partake in

1-21     the wide variety of activities offered at Goose Island State Park,

1-22     Copano Bay State Fishing Pier, and Rockport Beach, and many

1-23     bird-watchers and nature lovers have made their stay in the area

1-24     complete with a visit to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the

 2-1     principal wintering ground of the endangered whooping crane; and

 2-2           WHEREAS, Individuals of all ages enjoy the many celebrations

 2-3     hosted in the community throughout the year, including Oyster Fest,

 2-4     Fiesta en la Plaza, Seafair, the Fourth of July Fireworks and Art

 2-5     Festival, and the Children's Christmas Tree; and

 2-6           WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Aransas County is a

 2-7     prosperous, forward-looking region and a leading participant in the

 2-8     state's dynamic growth, and it gives the members of this chamber

 2-9     great pleasure to join with our fellow citizens in saluting this

2-10     fine Texas county; now, therefore, be it

2-11           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-12     Legislature hereby designate March 18, 1997, as Aransas County Day

2-13     at the State Capitol and extend warmest best wishes to all its

2-14     citizens on this noteworthy occasion.

                                                                      Seaman

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 297 was adopted by the House on March

         18, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House