SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 151
         WHEREAS, Proud residents of the Mid-Valley region of Texas
  are gathering in Austin on February 11, 2015, to celebrate
  Mid-Valley Day at the State Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, Located in eastern Hidalgo County in the Rio
  Grande Valley, the Mid-Valley region includes the towns of Alamo,
  Donna, Mercedes, Pharr, 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 is located in proximity to the
  Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses more than
  2,000 acres of protected land and is home to a wide array of
  animals and plants; in addition, the town boasts a birding
  information center and the popular Alamo Central Park; and
         WHEREAS, Upholding the motto "the City with a Heart in the
  Heart of the Rio Grande Valley," Donna serves as the location of
  the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge, which helps to
  facilitate shopping, tourism, and commercial trade 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 FFA students; and
         WHEREAS, Pharr is widely recognized as the "Hub City" of
  the Rio Grande Valley and is the proud owner and operator of the
  Pharr International Bridge, which for over 20 years has served as
  a safe, convenient, and dependable conduit of fruits,
  vegetables, and vital textiles entering this country; in
  recognition of its commitment to historic preservation, economic
  development, and international commerce, this All-America City
  will forever carry the distinction of being Texas' first "Triple
  Crown City"; 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 Basilica
  of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine, which attracts
  multitudes of pilgrims from throughout the United States and
  Mexico; the town hosts an annual Spring Fiesta and is the site of
  numerous parks, including Liberty Park, with its flagpole
  monument that honors those who have served in the United States
  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 the Science Academy of
  South Texas in Mercedes consistently ranks among the top 100 on
  Newsweek's list of "America's Best High Schools"; IDEA Public
  Schools, a nonprofit network of public charter schools, operates
  26 schools in the Rio Grande Valley; with a mission of preparing
  all students for success in college and beyond, these schools
  have helped to educate countless young people who have gone on to
  become confident, contributing members of their communities; 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, 84th
  Legislature, hereby recognize February 11, 2015, as Mid-Valley
  Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
  sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in
  Austin; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
  honor of this special day.
 
  Lucio
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 11, 2015.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate