79S31652 CLE-D

By:  Cook of Navarro                                              H.R. No. 443



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Texas State Railroad, a steam-powered train 
operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, provides a 
unique opportunity for citizens and visitors alike to ride a steam 
train through the beautiful forest land between Palestine and Rusk 
and gain firsthand appreciation for the vital role that 
steam-powered railroads played in Texas history; and
	WHEREAS, Transportation was a major problem facing early 
Texas settlers:  Texas rivers were not deep enough for year-round 
transportation; the scarce roads were virtually impassible during 
wet weather; and oxcarts could only travel a few miles per day; it 
was steam-powered railroads that enabled Texas to grow and prosper; 
and
	WHEREAS, Facilitating the transport of iron ore to an East 
Texas smelter and foundry for conversion to cast iron, the Texas 
State Railroad helped to make it possible for the present State 
Capitol to benefit from iron beams in the building's columns and 
dome when it was completed in 1888; and
	WHEREAS, The Texas State Railroad is a symbol of Texas' 
innovative spirit; like the San Jacinto Monument and the Battleship 
TEXAS, it is a historic icon; and
	WHEREAS, The Texas State Railroad's economic impact is as 
significant as its historical one; the tourism generated by the 
railroad's numerous visitors, many of whom have out-of-state and 
international origins, contributes greatly to the prosperity of our 
state, earning the railroad a reputation as one of the largest and 
most valuable steam train operations in the country; and
	WHEREAS, In this year in which we honor the Texas State 
Railroad for 125 years of service to Texas and 30 years as a state 
park, it would be very unfortunate not to continue this major 
tourist attraction beyond 2006; and
	WHEREAS, The importance of successfully providing for the 
continuation of the Texas State Railroad and other state parks 
requires the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to look for every 
efficiency in the areas of management, organization, operations, 
and personnel; and
	WHEREAS, Local and state advisory committees have been 
organized to offer the skills, contacts, and resources of many East 
Texas and Texas residents who are eager to assist with public 
education, special events, park promotion, and community advocacy; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby direct the Texas Parks and 
Wildlife Department to assist the local and state advisory 
committees in every way possible to provide for the timely 
development of a plan that will allow successful continuation of 
the Texas State Railroad as a moving museum through efficiency and 
proper utilization of public and private resources; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That the chief clerk of the house of 
representatives forward official copies of this resolution to the 
members of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.