78R4265 MW-D

By:  Craddick                                                   H.C.R. No. 42 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature is pleased to recognize 
February 11, 2003, as Midland-Odessa Day at the State Capitol; and
	WHEREAS, Odessa and Midland are located in the Permian Basin, 
an important oil- and gas-rich area of the state; both cities have 
been shaped by similar historical developments and have benefited 
from their proximity to each other; to reinforce their unity and to 
ensure economic diversification and a prosperous future, Midland 
and Odessa have adopted the "Two Cities-No Limits" motto; and
	WHEREAS, The city of Midland was founded in 1881 when the 
Texas and Pacific Railway established Midway Station at the 
midpoint on its Dallas-El Paso line; Odessa was likewise founded in 
1881 when the Texas Pacific Railway began using the area for a water 
stop; and
	WHEREAS, During the 1920s, the discovery of rich deposits of 
oil and gas in the Permian Basin transformed the cities of Midland 
and Odessa into essential petrochemical centers for the state; the 
oil and gas industry invigorated the area and brought economic 
prosperity, and through the years, the cities have added new 
commercial enterprises to assure greater economic stability in the 
region; and
	WHEREAS, The cities have further developed the area's economy 
with the addition of the Family Dollar Stores, Incorporated 
Distribution Center, Texas Independent Energy's 1,000 megawatt 
power plant, and the Cingular Wireless Call Center, which employs 
more than 1,500 individuals; and
	WHEREAS, Each city possesses unique cultural treasures; 
Odessa is home to the Presidential Museum, the Ellen Noel Art Museum 
of the Permian Basin, and a replica of the Globe Theater; an 
important center of education, Odessa is the site of the Texas Tech 
University Health Sciences Center and The University of Texas of 
the Permian Basin; and
	WHEREAS, Midland is well known for The Petroleum Museum, the 
Commemorative Air Force Museum, and the Museum of the Southwest; 
and
	WHEREAS, The city of Midland is also extremely proud to be the 
hometown of President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, as 
well as the longtime home of former President George H. W. Bush and 
former First Lady Barbara Bush, and Florida Governor Jeb Bush; and
	WHEREAS, For many years, Midland and Odessa have worked 
together to advance the development of the region; they jointly 
established the Midland International Airport and created the 
Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance; they also established the 
Midland-Odessa Health and Retirement Endeavor to heighten their 
attraction as retirement communities; Midland and Odessa have the 
only joint postmark in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, The more than 100 years of mutual support between 
these two cities is an inspiring example of cooperation for all 
Texans; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby recognize February 11, 2003, as Midland-Odessa Day at the 
State Capitol and commend the citizens of Midland and Odessa as they 
celebrate their unique heritage on this special day.