By Bivins S.C.R. No. 37 75R6958 SAJ-F CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, On March 4, 1997, the Texas Legislature will join 1-2 with the residents of the Texas Panhandle in paying tribute to 26 1-3 of Texas' finest counties in recognition of their outstanding 1-4 cultural, economic, and historical contributions to the state; and 1-5 WHEREAS, The region contributes greatly to Texas' economic 1-6 prosperity through both agriculture and oil and natural gas 1-7 production; wheat is the major crop grown in the northern counties, 1-8 while cotton is the crop of choice in the south, and feedlot 1-9 operations, meat packing, leather tanning, and fabric milling are 1-10 the other key industries in the area; oil and gas reserves stretch 1-11 120 miles from Moore County to Wheeler County, accentuating the 1-12 importance of natural resources to the area; and 1-13 WHEREAS, The Panhandle is also home to several renowned 1-14 institutions of higher education, including West Texas A&M 1-15 University, Clarendon College, Amarillo College, and Frank Phillips 1-16 College, and each has done an outstanding job in preparing future 1-17 leaders to face the many challenges that lie ahead; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike have come to enjoy the 1-19 wide variety of recreational and cultural resources that the area 1-20 has to offer; outdoors enthusiasts can partake in a variety of 1-21 activities at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and they can cap off 1-22 their visit with a viewing of the internationally acclaimed musical 1-23 drama "TEXAS" performed under the stars in a natural amphitheater; 1-24 and 2-1 WHEREAS, History buffs can learn more about the region's past 2-2 at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, one of the largest 2-3 facilities of its kind in the state, while science enthusiasts can 2-4 spend many fascinating hours at the Krister Aviation and Space 2-5 Museum; in addition, West Texas A&M University offers an array of 2-6 interesting events throughout the year; and 2-7 WHEREAS, Home to more than 400,000 individuals, the Panhandle 2-8 boasts record high employment rates and is one of the most 2-9 desirable regions of our state in which to live, work, and rear a 2-10 family; despite its impressive growth rate, the area has retained 2-11 its unique character and charm, and it gives the members of the 2-12 legislature great pleasure to salute the region and its people on 2-13 this auspicious occasion; now, therefore, be it 2-14 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-15 hereby designate March 4, 1997, as Panhandle Day at the Capitol and 2-16 commend its citizens for their many fine contributions; and, be it 2-17 further 2-18 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-19 prepared for the residents of the Panhandle as an expression of 2-20 high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.