SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 313

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to join the citizens of Jefferson and Orange Counties in the joyous celebration of Golden Triangle Days at the State Capitol March 1 through 3, 2009; and

WHEREAS, More than 300 visitors from throughout the Golden Triangle, the energy-rich and culturally unique region of Southeast Texas formed by the cities of Beaumont, Orange, and Port Arthur, have come to Austin to meet with elected officials and representatives of various state agencies to express appreciation for work already done on behalf of the region and to discuss with lawmakers additional opportunities to strengthen the state and their respective communities; and

WHEREAS, Orange and Jefferson County residents have gathered for this and other special events and activities in order to work together effectively and cohesively for the good of their region and the great State of Texas; and

WHEREAS, To that end, the chambers of commerce of Beaumont, Bridge City, Groves, Nederland, Orange, Port Arthur, Port Neches, and Vidor have combined forces to identify and address relevant issues with a single voice; and

WHEREAS, The area chambers of commerce work closely with the Counties of Jefferson and Orange, along with their respective cities, other taxing entities, business organizations, and the community at large to recognize the needs and concerns of the entire citizenry with its great diversity and varying socioeconomic levels; and

WHEREAS, Orange and Jefferson Counties were devastated by Hurricane Ike on September 13, 2008, just three years after Hurricane Rita tore a similar path of destruction through the region, but these counties have made great strides to recover and continue with more than $15 billion in industrial expansion and growth devoted to supplying the energy needs of the State of Texas and the nation; and

WHEREAS, The distinctive cultural and historic contributions of this proud region are highlighted by numerous museums and tourist attractions and are matched only by the region's economic contributions, featuring America's Energy Gateway, the deepwater ports and terminals of the Sabine-Neches Waterway, Lamar University, Lamar State College--Orange, Lamar State College--Port Arthur, and the Lamar Institute of Technology, and many other assets, which significantly impact the growth and health of the state; and

WHEREAS, The people of Orange and Jefferson Counties have been building a vibrant, forward-reaching region, and it is a pleasure to acknowledge the public-spirited citizens from the Golden Triangle who are here today for their dedication and commitment to their communities and the state; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby recognize March 1 through 3, 2009, as Golden Triangle Days at the Capitol and welcome the region's visitors to Austin; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the citizens of the Golden Triangle as a memento of this special occasion.

Williams, Huffman

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 2, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate