SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 71

WHEREAS, Civic leaders from Hardin, Jasper, Newton, and Tyler Counties are gathering in Austin to celebrate Southeast Texas Days at the State Capitol from January 25 through 27, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Home to scenic waterways and the dense forest known as the Big Thicket, this unique region of the Lone Star State is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, with 85 species of trees, approximately 1,000 species of flowering plants, and more than 180 varieties of birds; and

WHEREAS, The history of this verdant region is equally rich, a saga stretching from the days when Atakapa, Caddo, and Alabama-Coushatta hunted bear amid the pines and cypress, through the rise of the lumber industry in the late 1800s and the oil boom of the early 20th century; today, Southeast Texas is home to many friendly, forward-looking communities that are building an even brighter future on the foundation laid by those who came before; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the Lumberton, Silsbee, and Kountze Chambers of Commerce and economic development corporations, Hardin County is encouraging business growth and diversifying its economy to encompass manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism; in addition to the many new residents who have made their homes here in recent years, the county draws a host of visitors who come especially to hike and go birding in the Big Thicket National Preserve and to enjoy the exciting annual MusicFest; and

WHEREAS, Timber and oil undergird the economy of Jasper County, where the fine opportunities for fishing and boating on Lake Sam Rayburn and B. A. Steinhagen Lake lure vacationers from across the state; the Jasper and Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce is working to expand the county's business resources, while the Jasper Economic Development Corporation has created a 500-acre industrial park adjacent to a county-owned airport with a mile-long runway; in the southern part of the county, the Buna Chamber of Commerce welcomes everyone to the "small town with a big heart"; and

WHEREAS, Picturesque Newton County, with its forested hills and valleys, offers residents and visitors alike fine boating, fishing, hiking, and birding at Toledo Bend Reservoir and Wild Azalea Canyons; the Newton Economic and Community Development Corporations are providing recently established and longtime businesses with vital support, and the Newton County Chamber of Commerce has led in renovating the courthouse square and upgrading the county's fiber-optic network; and

WHEREAS, Tyler County is a prime destination for hikers, boaters, birders, and fishermen, with two state parks and access to B. A. Steinhagen Lake and sections of the Big Thicket National Preserve; in the spring, Woodville, the county seat, hosts the popular Tyler County Dogwood Festival, which includes the Festival of the Arts and the Western Weekend rodeo and dance; among its other endeavors, the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce is engaged in promoting the county to those who are looking for a desirable place to retire; and

WHEREAS, Conveniently close to Beaumont and Houston and blessed with great natural beauty and abundant resources, the counties of Hardin, Jasper, Newton, and Tyler make up a distinctive region of the Lone Star State, and their hardworking citizens can take great pride in their heritage, achievements, and enterprising spirit; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby recognize January 25 through 27, 2009, as Southeast Texas Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful stay in Austin.

Nichols

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 27, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate