1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 310
 1-3           WHEREAS, The Texas Senate is proud to join the citizens
 1-4     of Aransas County in the joyous celebration of Aransas County
 1-5     Day at the State Capitol on February 21, 2001; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, Located on the southern Coastal Plains, the
 1-7     county was created from Refugio County in 1871 and was named
 1-8     for Rio Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, which had taken its name
 1-9     from a famed Spanish palace; and
1-10           WHEREAS, Its prime location has helped Aransas County to
1-11     flourish, and it continues to contribute greatly to the state's
1-12     fiscal prosperity; the county enjoys a strong and diversified
1-13     economic base, with agribusiness, tourism, oil and gas production,
1-14     and fish packing as its major industries; and
1-15           WHEREAS, Residents of Aransas County are justifiably
1-16     proud of the region's rich heritage; the Karankawa Indians once
1-17     made their home in this verdant setting, and Spanish explorer
1-18     Diego Ortiz Parrilla traveled across the area in 1766 on an
1-19     expedition along the Gulf Coast; since that time, countless
1-20     others have been drawn to the region's abundant supply of
1-21     natural and cultural resources; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, Aransas County is also home to the Fulton Mansion
 2-2     State Historic Structure, a three-story, Second Empire house built
 2-3     by rancher and businessman George W. Fulton, Sr.; the unusual
 2-4     house, which features innovative heating, ventilating, and
 2-5     food-preservation systems, was added to the National Register
 2-6     of Historic Places in 1975 and is maintained as a museum by
 2-7     the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, Outdoor sports enthusiasts have come to partake
 2-9     in the wide variety of activities offered at Goose Island State
2-10     Park, Copano Bay State Fishing Pier, and Rockport Beach, and many
2-11     bird-watchers and nature lovers have made their stay in the area
2-12     complete with a visit to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge,
2-13     the principal wintering ground of the endangered whooping crane;
2-14     and
2-15           WHEREAS, Individuals of all ages enjoy the many celebrations
2-16     hosted in the community throughout the year, including Oyster Fest,
2-17     Fiesta en la Playa, the Hummer/Bird Celebration, Seafair, the
2-18     Fourth of July Fireworks and Art Festival, and the Children's
2-19     Christmas Tree; and
2-20           WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Aransas County is
2-21     a prosperous, forward-looking region and a leading participant
2-22     in the state's dynamic growth, and it gives the members of this
2-23     chamber great pleasure to join with our fellow citizens in
2-24     saluting this fine Texas county; now, therefore, be it
 3-1           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
 3-2     77th Legislature, hereby recognize February 21, 2001, as
 3-3     Aransas County Day at the State Capitol and extend warmest
 3-4     best wishes to all its citizens on this noteworthy occasion.
 3-5                                                              Armbrister
 3-6                                  ______________________________________
 3-7                                          President of the Senate
 3-8                                       I hereby certify that the above
 3-9                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-10                                  on February 21, 2001.
3-11                                  ______________________________________
3-12                                          Secretary of the Senate
3-13                                  ______________________________________
3-14                                           Member, Texas Senate