By:  Bivins, Duncan                                   S.C.R. No. 28
         99S0276/2                           
                            SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is proud to
 1-2     join the citizens of Midland and Odessa in a joyous celebration of
 1-3     Midland-Odessa Day at the State Capitol on February 23, 1999; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, The cities of Odessa and Midland are situated in the
 1-5     Permian Basin, where massive deposits of oil and natural gas were
 1-6     discovered in the 1920s, and both cities have developed into major
 1-7     petrochemical centers; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, Established in 1881, Odessa serves as the county
 1-9     seat of Ector County; and
1-10           WHEREAS, Odessa is the home of Odessa College, Texas Tech
1-11     Health Sciences Center at Odessa, and The University of Texas of
1-12     the Permian Basin; these colleges contribute to the community with
1-13     a diversity of cultural and academic programs; and
1-14           WHEREAS, A replica of the Globe Theatre is located in Odessa
1-15     and provides the site for Shakespearean productions; and
1-16           WHEREAS, Other opportunities for cultural entertainment in
1-17     Odessa are found at the Presidential Museum, the Ellen Noel Art
1-18     Museum of the Permian Basin, and at a jazz festival held each May;
1-19     and
1-20           WHEREAS, Founded by Midwestern farm families in 1885, Midland
1-21     received its name because it  was located on the railroad halfway
1-22     between Fort Worth and El Paso; and
1-23           WHEREAS, Midland also serves Midland County as its county
 2-1     seat and has experienced many booms and busts but has,
 2-2     nevertheless, grown into a city with a strong educational system,
 2-3     high-rise buildings, and a population dedicated to the fine arts;
 2-4     and
 2-5           WHEREAS, Points of interest in Midland are the Permian Basin
 2-6     Petroleum Museum, Library and Hall of Fame, the Confederate Air
 2-7     Force Museum, the Museum of the Southwest, and Pliska Aviation
 2-8     Museum; and
 2-9           WHEREAS, The citizens of Midland and Odessa are to be
2-10     commended for their progressive  spirit, their optimistic
2-11     perseverance, and their industriousness, even in times like the
2-12     present when they are suffering from a strained economy caused by
2-13     low oil and gas prices; and
2-14           WHEREAS, Their spirit of cooperation is also remarkable as
2-15     revealed in their joint efforts to establish the Midland
2-16     International Airport, which has recently opened a new, expanded
2-17     passenger terminal to better serve the needs of the area, the
2-18     creation of the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance (MOTRAN) as
2-19     an advocate for the establishment of the La Entrada al Pacifico
2-20     trade corridor, and the joint cities efforts in promoting Midland
2-21     and Odessa as exceptional retirement communities through the
2-22     establishment of Midland Odessa Health and Retirement Endeavor
2-23     (MOHRE); Midland and Odessa further indicate their ability to work
2-24     together with the only joint postmark in Texas; and
2-25           WHEREAS, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for the
 3-1     Texas Senate to honor these cooperative cities and outstanding
 3-2     citizens; now, therefore, be it
 3-3           RESOLVED, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas
 3-4     hereby recognize February 23, 1999, as Midland-Odessa Day and
 3-5     extend best wishes to its residents for a most enjoyable and
 3-6     rewarding event; and, be it further
 3-7           RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for
 3-8     Midland and Odessa as a memento of this special day.