1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 131
 1-3           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
 1-4     recognize the citizens of Port Arthur and surrounding communities
 1-5     on the joyous occasion of Port Arthur Day in Austin, which takes
 1-6     place February 4 through 6, 2001; and
 1-7           WHEREAS, This event provides the citizens of Southeast Texas
 1-8     with an opportunity to rejoice in the amenities of their outstanding
 1-9     community and to take pride in their unique contributions to the
1-10     State of Texas; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Founded in 1895 by Arthur E. Stilwell, a railroad
1-12     promoter, Port Arthur was destined to become the second largest
1-13     oil-refining site in the nation; and
1-14           WHEREAS, The Spindletop gusher ushered in the great
1-15     Southeast Texas oilfield boom, and a crowd of nearly 20,000 gathered
1-16     in Beaumont on January 10, 2001, to celebrate the 100th anniversary
1-17     of the Spindletop gusher; and
1-18           WHEREAS, Though situated in a famous oil refinery area,
1-19     Port Arthur is also well known for its surrounding beauty,
1-20     including the McFaddin and Texas Point national wildlife
1-21     refuges, birding trails, and other forms of nature; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, Snow geese, many species of ducks, and other
 2-2     waterfowl populate the enchanting marshes, providing excellent
 2-3     hunting; Sabine Lake and the nearby Gulf of Mexico provide for
 2-4     excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing, shrimping, and other
 2-5     industrial opportunities; and
 2-6           WHEREAS, Local citizens and tourists enjoy Sea Rim State Park
 2-7     and the Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park, which
 2-8     marks the site of a Civil War battle in which a small number of
 2-9     Confederates forced a large Union fleet to retreat; and
2-10           WHEREAS, Known for its commitment to building a stronger
2-11     economy, Port Arthur is home to Lamar State College-Port Arthur
2-12     and was the first city in Texas to adopt the 12-grade public
2-13     school system; and
2-14           WHEREAS, Southeast Texas residents are hardworking,
2-15     generous, and hospitable, and they have successfully preserved
2-16     the beauty and charm of their area; and
2-17           WHEREAS, The Chambers of Commerce in Southeast Texas have
2-18     formed a coalition to include Jefferson County, along with the
2-19     chambers within Port Arthur, Beaumont, Groves, Nederland, and
2-20     Port Neches; and
2-21           WHEREAS, This coalition known as Jefferson County Chambers
2-22     of Commerce Legislative Response Team is hosting the first
2-23     Jefferson County Breakfast on February 6, 2001, at the Driskill
 3-1     Hotel; now, therefore, be it
 3-2           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
 3-3     77th Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Port Arthur
 3-4     and those from throughout Southeast Texas and extend best wishes
 3-5     to them for successful and rewarding Port Arthur Day events; and,
 3-6     be it further
 3-7           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
 3-8     them as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
 3-9                                                                 Bernsen
3-10                                  ______________________________________
3-11                                          President of the Senate
3-12                                       I hereby certify that the above
3-13                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-14                                  on January 30, 2001.
3-15                                  ______________________________________
3-16                                          Secretary of the Senate
3-17                                  ______________________________________
3-18                                           Member, Texas Senate