SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 295

WHEREAS, Proud residents of Rockwall County are gathering in Austin on February 25, 2013, to celebrate Rockwall County Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Situated on the gently rolling Blackland Prairie of North Texas, the region was inhabited by Caddo and Cherokee Indians before the first European resident, John O. Heath, settled on the East Fork of the Trinity River in 1846; Rockwall County was established in 1873, taking its name from an underground rock formation discovered by farmers who were digging a well; and

WHEREAS, The smallest county in Texas but the fastest growing, Rockwall County today boasts a population of more than 81,000 people who are committed to economic development while maintaining their bustling downtowns and small-community feel; and

WHEREAS, The town of Rockwall, designated as a Main Street City in 2009, is dedicated to preserving its heritage and its pleasant, family-friendly atmosphere as its population continues to grow; the city's Historic Preservation Advisory Board has worked with residents and civic leaders to develop a preservation plan for the Old Town Rockwall Historic District, which helps the district to remain the vibrant heart of the city; and

WHEREAS, Residents of Heath enjoy the rustic beauty of a spectacular lakeside setting, soaring property values, and low tax rates; the community is further strengthened by superior public schools and by recent commercial and professional development, including the Baylor Family Medical Center at Rockwall; and

WHEREAS, Fate is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with a population that rose from 497 to 6,357, or 1,179 percent, between 2000 and 2010; in 2008, the city's voters passed a home-rule charter by an overwhelming majority; and

WHEREAS, Looking to the future with a strong chamber of commerce that supports local businesses, Royse City, too, is making it a priority to maintain a small-town way of life; it was designated as a Main Street City in 2008, and it has established a Heritage Preservation Committee and ordinance and design guidelines in order to revitalize the historical district; and

WHEREAS, Positive change and preparation for the years ahead are also taking place in the city of McLendon-Chisholm, a town that was formed from two of the oldest area communities, both of which date back to the mid-1800s; and

WHEREAS, Mobile City is the county's newest incorporated town and its smallest, with 188 residents according to the 2010 Census; additionally, it has the highest population density of any town in Texas; and

WHEREAS, Characterized by remarkably public-spirited and engaged citizens, and able to boast a 74 percent turnout for the November 2012 election, the county benefits from Leadership Rockwall County, and members of the Class of 2013, as well as the program's alumni, merit special commendation for all they are doing to promote a high quality of life in their region; and

WHEREAS, Rockwall County is an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family, and this occasion provides a fitting opportunity to honor its citizens for their contributions to the history and prosperity of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby recognize February 25, 2013, as Rockwall County Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those residents here today best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable visit.

Deuell

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate