H.R. No. 214



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Texas Heritage Trails Program is a regional 
tourism initiative of the Texas Historical Commission that helps 
revitalize towns, increases visitation to cultural and historic 
sites, and raises awareness of the importance of historic 
preservation to the tourism industry, and today, many proud 
partners of this exemplary undertaking are in Austin to celebrate 
the rich history of Texas and the many contributions of this program 
to the Lone Star State; and
	WHEREAS, Under the Texas Heritage Trails Program, the Texas 
Historical Commission is currently providing technical, 
educational, and financial assistance to 139 counties; moreover, 
the commission is partnering with other state agencies, city 
governments, chambers of commerce, convention and visitors 
bureaus, museums, historic sites, historical societies, state and 
national parks, and national forests; and
	WHEREAS, The Texas Heritage Trails Program supports the 
efforts of communities seeking to assist travelers who wish to 
connect with their heritage and share it with their children; and
	WHEREAS, Most of the state's cities and rural communities 
have historic sites of interest to visitors; with the Texas travel 
and tourism industry predicted to grow by 30 percent during the next 
decade, heritage tourism is poised to provide a significant 
infusion for the economy while helping to educate a new generation 
about what it means to be a Texan and an American; and
	WHEREAS, Individuals who visit historic sites and 
communities make a particularly strong contribution to the economic 
vitality of Texas; they spend an average of $29 per day more than 
nonheritage travelers and inject approximately $1.43 billion into 
the state's economy annually, creating over 32,000 jobs for Texans 
every year; and
	WHEREAS, Considered one of the premier heritage tourism 
endeavors in the country, the Texas Heritage Trails Program owes 
its success to the dedication of individuals serving on boards of 
directors, on committees, and as friends of the program, and their 
contributions to the state are truly deserving of special 
legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize February 25, 2003, as Texas Heritage 
Trails Day at the State Capitol and join with the friends of the 
Texas Heritage Trails Program in paying tribute to this vital 
enterprise; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared 
for the regional offices of the Texas Heritage Trails Program as an 
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                       Christian

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 214 was adopted by the House on 
February 25, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House