WHEREAS, By providing vessel coordination and safe passage to

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, Each year, Texas State Pilots navigate more than

 1-2     29,000 deep-draft oceangoing vessels through Texas' ports, and it

 1-3     is a privilege to recognize the superior efforts of these vital

 1-4     professionals at this time; and

 1-5     WHEREAS, By providing vessel coordination and safe passage to this

 1-6     multitude of commercial crafts, Texas State Pilots facilitate

 1-7     commercial transport of one-third of our state's exports, which

 1-8     accounts for approximately five percent of the annual gross state

 1-9     product; and

1-10           WHEREAS, Many hours of training are needed to develop the

1-11     expertise necessary to perform this important and demanding job;

1-12     frequently these diligent professionals are faced with unexpected

1-13     difficulties such as sudden time constraints and inclement weather,

1-14     yet the pilots embrace these challenges and gain invaluable

1-15     experience that they may draw on when faced with similar conditions

1-16     in the future; and

1-17           WHEREAS, In addition to being responsible for the annual

1-18     transport of 37 million tons of cargo, thereby contributing to the

1-19     preservation of local economies throughout the Lone Star State, the

1-20     pilots strive to protect the fragile marine environments endemic to

1-21     the vast Texas coastline and its inlets; and

1-22           WHEREAS, The commitment to excellence demonstrated by these

1-23     dedicated men and women has helped to maintain the highest

1-24     standards of safety at the ports of Brownsville, Corpus Christi,

 2-1     Freeport, Galveston, Texas City, Houston, Point Comfort, Port

 2-2     Arthur, Orange, and Beaumont, and these outstanding individuals are

 2-3     indeed deserving of special legislative recognition; now,

 2-4     therefore, be it

 2-5           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-6     Legislature hereby recognize March 19, 1997, as Texas State Pilots

 2-7     Day at the Capitol and honor the members of this fine organization

 2-8     for their many contributions to the economic success of Texas and

 2-9     for their commitment to keeping our ports safe and efficient.

                                                                      Hawley

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 374 was adopted by the House on March

         18, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House