SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 253
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
join the citizens of Aransas County in proclaiming March 1, 2005,
Aransas County Day at the State Capitol; and
	WHEREAS, The county was created from Refugio County in 1871
and named after Rio Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu, a name derived 
from a famous Spanish palace; and
	WHEREAS, The county's prime location on the southern 
Coastal Plains and its diversified economy have ensured its 
prosperity; agribusiness, tourism, oil and gas production, and
fish-packing are the region's major industries; and
	WHEREAS, Aransas County is home to the Fulton Mansion, a 
state historic structure owned and maintained by the Texas Parks 
and Wildlife Department; the Texas Maritime Museum, the state's 
official maritime museum; the Rockport Center for the Arts, a 
world-renowned center promoting all facets of the art industry; 
and the Rockport Beach Park, Texas' only Blue Wave Beach; and
	WHEREAS, The residents of Aransas County are proud of their                    

rich history; Karankawa Indians once made their home in its 
verdant setting, and Spanish explorer Diego Ortiz Parrilla led 
an expedition along the area's Gulf Coast in 1766; since that 
time, countless others have been drawn to the region's abundant 
supply of natural and cultural resources; and
	WHEREAS, The county is host to many celebrations 
throughout the year, including Oyster Fest, Fiesta en la Playa, 
the Hummer/Bird Celebration, Seafair, the Fourth of July Fireworks
and Art Festival, and the Children's Christmas Tree; and

	WHEREAS, Goose Island State Park, Copano Bay State Fishing 
Pier, and Rockport Beach offer outdoor sports enthusiasts many 
recreational opportunities; in addition, bird-watchers and 
nature lovers take great delight in the Aransas National Wildlife
Refuge, the principal wintering ground of the endangered 
whooping crane; and
	WHEREAS, Aransas County is a leading participant in our 
state's dynamic growth, while also maintaining its rich cultural
traditions, and its citizens are rightfully proud of their 
county's contributions to our state; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
79th Legislature, hereby join fellow citizens in saluting this 
fine Texas county; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the citizens of Aransas County as an expression of esteem from 
the Texas Senate.
                                                                      Armbrister




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 1, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate