By:  Staples                                                      S.R. No. 126



SENATE RESOLUTION
	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 impassable 
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 79th 
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 secretary of the senate forward 
official copies of this Resolution to the members of the Texas 
Parks and Wildlife Commission.




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 14, 2006.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate