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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The year 2009 marks the centennial of the Beaumont |
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Center, and this occasion provides a fitting opportunity to honor |
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this important agricultural research facility; and |
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WHEREAS, By an act of the Texas Legislature, the center was |
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first established in 1909 as an experimental station focused on |
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rice cultivation, with the United States Department of Agriculture |
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joining the initiative five years later; originally located in the |
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community of Amelia, it moved to its present location in Beaumont in |
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1945, and a second research station at Eagle Lake was added in the |
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1970s; through the years, the center has been the site of a |
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productive collaboration between educational, governmental, and |
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agricultural organizations, and today encompasses the Texas A&M |
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AgriLIFE Research Center, the USDA Agricultural Research Service, |
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and the Texas Rice Improvement Association; and |
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WHEREAS, The Beaumont Center is dedicated to the goal of |
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providing Texas rice producers with a competitive advantage over |
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growers in other states and nations, but the scientific knowledge |
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gained at the facility is also applied to the wider agricultural |
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needs of the United States; the center's 10 scientists and support |
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staff conduct research that leads to the development of new rice |
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varieties as well as to practices that help improve rice production |
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and control pests and diseases; and |
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WHEREAS, Another vital function of the Beaumont Center is to |
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contribute to the educational mission of Texas A&M University, with |
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students taking part in research projects under the guidance of |
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staff scientists; moreover, the center is active in research |
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outreach efforts, making presentations to school classes and |
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offering tours that highlight its ongoing programs; and |
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WHEREAS, During a century of dedicated work, the Beaumont |
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Center has pioneered many significant advances that have furthered |
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the Lone Star State's stature as an agricultural leader, and this |
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notable facility is indeed deserving of recognition as it marks |
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this important milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the centennial of the Beaumont |
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Center and pay tribute to the many devoted people who have |
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contributed to its achievements through the years; and, be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the center as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |
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Ritter |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 2006 was adopted by the House on May |
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12, 2009, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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