79R10547 SKA-F By: Pena H.R. No. 847R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Many distinguished citizens of the Delta Area in Hidalgo County are visiting Austin on March 21, 2005, to celebrate the significant role this historic locale has played in the development of the Rio Grande Valley; and WHEREAS, The Delta Area was settled in the 18th century by ranchers who introduced cattle, sheep, and a variety of crops to the region; Spanish land grants in the vicinity included the Llano Grande, given to Juan Jose Ynojosa de Balli in 1790, and a grant issued to Vicente de Ynojosa in 1797; some 50 or more years later, Miguel Fernandez and Macedonio Vela operated their ranches, La Bota and Laguna Seca, in the area; and WHEREAS, In the early 20th century, lured by the bright prospects for building a better life and the advent of irrigation farming, many people from the Midwest and Northern Mexico began making their homes in the region; with the railroad running through the community, the Delta Area was home to some of the largest canning and packaging companies anywhere in the world; agriculture continues to play a major role in the economic development of the community but it is no longer the dominant employer in the region; and WHEREAS, Cities and communities in the Delta Area include Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, and Monte Alto; these fine communities continue to try to provide a high quality of life for their residents, especially their children; come fall or spring the local football fields, neighborhood parks, and baseball diamonds are filled with eager young athletes and their proud parents; local libraries, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and community-based centers continue to provide the youth of the area with positive and constructive activities; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to the public education system, area residents take special pride in their local school districts; a friendly rivalry is always apparent between the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets, La Villa Cardinals, and Monte Alto Blue Devils; local schools not only provide the community with a sense of pride for achievements on the athletic fields but are also dedicated to providing excellence in the classroom; and WHEREAS, The residents of these proud Delta communities are drawing on the strengths of all their people as they work to preserve their rich heritage and build toward a future of unlimited opportunity; and WHEREAS, Representative Aaron Pena has justly recognized the communities of the Delta Area by authoring this honorary resolution in their behalf during the Regular Session of the 79th Texas Legislature; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature hereby recognize March 21, 2005, as Delta Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those here today sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable visit.