SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 197

WHEREAS, Members of the Texas Senate are pleased to join with a delegation of citizens of Edinburg in celebrating Edinburg Day at the State Capitol on February 8, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Long considered the gateway to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg was originally known as Chapin when it became the Hidalgo County seat nearly 100 years ago; it was a ranching community in its early years, then the arrival of the railroad and the introduction of irrigation in the early 20th century shifted the emphasis of the local economy to the farming of cotton, grain, and citrus; and

WHEREAS, Officially incorporated in 1919, Edinburg experienced a period of growth and prosperity fostered by the foresight of such city leaders as John Closner and W. F. Sprague; as a thriving center for agricultural marketing and processing, Edinburg experienced a building boom that included the construction of the Grandview Hospital and the Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin Elementary Schools, all of which still stand; and

WHEREAS, The educational needs of area students are capably met by the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District; encompassing 945 square miles, the district includes 27 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, and an alternative campus; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1927 as Edinburg Junior College, The University of Texas-Pan American remains one of the Valley's premier institutions of higher learning; the university has recently established a master's degree program in creative writing in order to foster a new generation of South Texas writers; nearing completion on campus is a $20 million Regional Academic Health Center that will develop treatments for illnesses prevalent along the Texas-Mexico border; the university's Wellness and Recreation Sports Complex, encompassing more than 150,000 square feet, is scheduled to open in August of 2007, and a proposed fine arts facility will include classrooms, practice rooms, and event space; and

WHEREAS, The Edinburg Children's Hospital has a 24-hour pediatric emergency room; the Doctors Hospital at Renaissance offers a full range of medical and surgical services; and the new Women's Hospital at Renaissance, due to open in spring of 2007, will be able to handle the delivery of 8,000 babies a year; and

WHEREAS, The vibrant history and culture of the region are highlighted by the Museum of South Texas History; the facility's recent expansion includes the Rio Grande Legacy exhibit, tracing the history of the Valley from prehistoric times to the 19th century; further expansion of the museum will include the continuation of the Rio Grande Legacy exhibit to the present day, as well as the construction of the Will Looney Legacy Park; and

WHEREAS, Other Edinburg attractions include the 40-acre wetlands of the World Birding Center, where waterfowl and native plants can be viewed from winding trails and viewing platforms; events such as the annual All-American 10K Run/Walk promote health and fitness, attracting participants from all over Texas and the world; Edinburg is also home to the Texas Cook'Em cook-off, where grill cooks compete to prepare the best steaks, chicken, spare ribs, and brisket; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Mayor Joe Ochoa and city commissioners Gene Espinoza, Agustin G. Garcia, Noe Garza, and Alma A. Garza, the city has experienced steady and positive growth, and Edinburg has been recognized three times by the National Civic League as an All-America City; and

WHEREAS, Proud of their rich history, the people of Edinburg are determined to preserve the best of the city's past while joining together to build a future full of hope and opportunity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby recognize February 8, 2007, as Edinburg Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the delegation from Edinburg. Hinojosa

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 13, 2007.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate