By:  Madla                                            S.C.R. No. 57
         2001S1437/1                            
 1-1                        SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-2           WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is pleased to
 1-3     recognize the beautiful town of Balmorhea as an Oasis of West
 1-4     Texas; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Nestled in the heart of far West Texas, Balmorhea
 1-6     was first visited by native American Indians and pioneers who
 1-7     gathered in the area due to the famous San Solomon Springs; the
 1-8     springs and creeks were a welcome sight to travelers, and to the
 1-9     Apache Indians who used them to develop a method of irrigation for
1-10     growing grain; and
1-11           WHEREAS, After Apaches left the area, three people formed the
1-12     Toyah Irrigation Company in 1875, but difficulties with the project
1-13     arose when the partners failed to acquire a right-of-way; and
1-14           WHEREAS, In 1906, the town site was established by land
1-15     promoters, and in 1907, the Toyah Valley Irrigation Company was
1-16     incorporated and purchased many acres in the area; the company's
1-17     owners, E. D. Balcom, H. R. Morrow, J. R. Rhea, and J. W. Rhea,
1-18     gave their names to the town site which became Balmorhea; and
1-19           WHEREAS, In the 1930s, Balmorhea State Park was created and
1-20     now lies four miles west of town; the park contains the San Solomon
1-21     Spring pool, one of the largest spring-fed swimming pools in the
1-22     United States, and a portion of the park has been restored as a
1-23     natural wetlands; and
1-24           WHEREAS, Just south of Balmorhea is Balmorhea Lake, which is
 2-1     stocked with bass, perch, and yellow catfish; the lake is on one of
 2-2     the major flyways for migratory birds and provides a number of
 2-3     recreational opportunities, including canoeing and camping; and
 2-4           WHEREAS, Today, as in the past, the unique beauty of
 2-5     Balmorhea is due to its location; the town lies in the middle of a
 2-6     desert, surrounded by vistas of the Davis Mountain Range, and
 2-7     flowing through its center are the clear waters of San Solomon
 2-8     Spring; now, therefore, be it
 2-9           RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas
2-10     hereby commend the citizens of Balmorhea on preserving the beauty
2-11     and charm of their unique town and extend congratulations to them
2-12     for living in what is truly the Oasis of West Texas; and, be it
2-13     further
2-14           RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the
2-15     citizens of Balmorhea as an expression of esteem from the Texas
2-16     Legislature.