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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Proud residents of the Big Spring area are visiting |
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Austin to celebrate Big Spring Area Day at the State Capitol on |
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March 7, 2007; and |
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WHEREAS, Scenically situated under the foothills of the |
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Caprock escarpment, the region around Big Spring was first |
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inhabited by the Skidi Pawnee and the Quahadi Comanches, who fought |
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over the use of the "big spring" in Sulphur Draw; and |
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WHEREAS, The spring became a convenient campsite for passing |
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expeditions; the first community on the site was settled in the late |
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1870s by buffalo hunters; with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific |
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Railroad, the community grew, and when Howard County was |
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established in 1882, Big Spring became the county seat; and |
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WHEREAS, By 1920 Big Spring was an important shipment |
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junction for cattle, cotton, and grain, and in 1926 oil was |
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discovered, causing the town to grow even more; during World War II |
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the Big Spring Army Air Corps Bombardier School graduated more than |
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5,000 bombardiers; today the city continues to be a thriving center |
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for ranching, farming, and oil and gas production, and new |
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businesses such as telecommunication services, wind turbines, |
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plastics, and composite manufacturing help diversify the economy; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Big Spring is home to Alon USA, a major area employer |
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using cutting-edge technology to repurpose tire rubber into asphalt |
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and to reduce the sulfur content of diesel fuel; and |
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WHEREAS, The area is also a thriving regional hub for health |
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care as the home to Big Spring State Hospital, the West Texas |
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Centers for Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the West Texas VA |
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Health Care System, and Scenic Mountain Medical Center; and |
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WHEREAS, The talented teachers and administrators of the Big |
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Spring, Coahoma, and Forsan Independent School Districts provide |
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essential primary and secondary instruction to a growing and |
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diverse population of students, and Howard College and South West |
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Collegiate Institute for the Deaf offer higher education for a |
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skilled workforce; and |
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WHEREAS, With a rich history and a bright future, the dynamic |
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Big Spring area maintains its Big Sky, Big Heart spirit, |
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recognizing the worth and dignity of every resident and continuing |
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to support the vibrant and prosperous lifestyle of its citizens |
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with exciting economic, educational, and recreational |
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opportunities; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize March 7, 2007, as Big Spring Area Day |
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at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best |
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wishes for an enjoyable and informative stay in Austin. |