SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 410
         WHEREAS, Proud residents of the Mid-Valley region of Texas
  are gathering in Austin on March 11, 2009, to celebrate
  Mid-Valley Day at the State Capitol; and
 
         WHEREAS, Located in the Rio Grande Valley, the Mid-Valley
  region includes the towns of Alamo, Donna, Mercedes, Progreso,
  Progreso Lakes, San Juan, and Weslaco; this area is a center for
  agribusiness, with farmers producing sugarcane, grains, and
  citrus fruit such as grapefruits and oranges; and
 
         WHEREAS, The City of Alamo has been undertaking a
  far-reaching revitalization plan that has resulted in the
  construction of a new city hall, public library, and public works
  center; in addition, the town is making significant improvements
  to its infrastructure and fire department and police facilities;
  and
 
         WHEREAS, Upholding the motto "the City with a Heart in the
  Heart of the Rio Grande Valley," Donna looks forward to the
  completion of the Donna International Bridge to Mexico; the
  eight-lane bridge is expected to bolster the city's economy
  because of the increased number of shoppers and tourists
  traveling to and from Mexico; and
 
         WHEREAS, Mercedes has long been a major center for the
  processing and marketing of livestock, cotton, and vegetables,
  and it is also known for its boot makers and the shopping
  opportunities at the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets; the
  annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo draws more than
  200,000 people to town each year, and the event provides valuable
  scholarship funds for 4-H and Future Farmers of America students;
  and
 
         WHEREAS, In addition to being centers for the sugarcane
  business, Progreso and Progreso Lakes have been serving as
  gateways to the Rio Grande Valley since the opening of the
  Progreso-Nuevo Progreso International Bridge in 2003; and
 
         WHEREAS, Fast-growing San Juan is the home of the Virgen de
  San Juan del Valle Shrine, which attracts multitudes of pilgrims
  from throughout the United States and Mexico, and the town has
  also installed a landmark flagpole that pays tribute to the men
  and women who have served in the nation's armed forces; and
 
         WHEREAS, The City of Weslaco has become a favorite
  destination for tourists, golfers, retirees, and birders and is
  the location of two important Texas A&M University research
  stations; the annual Onion Fest celebrates the development of the
  famous Texas 1015 onion in Weslaco, and this popular event brings
  many visitors to the city; and
         WHEREAS, Throughout the Mid-Valley region, great emphasis
  is placed on the value of education, and one particularly
  striking example of the Mid-Valley's educational achievements
  came in December of 2008, when U.S. News & World Report ranked the
  Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes among the nation's top
  100 high schools; and
 
         WHEREAS, The residents of this dynamic region of the Lone
  Star State are justifiably proud of their hard work, civic
  commitment, and innovative spirit, and their efforts have
  created a group of notable Texas communities that are well
  prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future;
  now, therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
  Legislature, hereby recognize March 11, 2009, as Mid-Valley Day
  at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best
  wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.
 
  Lucio
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on March 11, 2009.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate