SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 576

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the residents of Williamson County on the occasion of Williamson County Day; and

WHEREAS, Williamson County is among the fastest-growing counties in the nation; its population of 489,250 has seen an increase of over 56 percent since 2000, and employment has increased by 81.8 percent; and

WHEREAS, Williamson County is home to one of the fastest-growing health care clusters in America; its five hospitals and the Texas A&M Health Science Center have contributed to an increase in health care employment of over 55 percent since 2000; the county has been ranked as one of the healthiest counties in Texas for six consecutive years; and

WHEREAS, Williamson County is a center for higher learning and offers a variety of educational opportunities at historic Southwestern University, Texas State University-Round Rock, Austin Community College, and the East Williamson County Higher Education Center; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center in Georgetown is a growing and vital resource for the recruitment and acceleration of emerging biotechnology and medical device companies and for the furtherance of scientific education in area public schools and universities; and

WHEREAS, Williamson County is also home to Georgetown Utility Systems, which will make the City of Georgetown one of the largest cities with municipally owned utilities in the nation to supply its customers with 100 percent solar and wind energy starting in 2016; and

WHEREAS, The transportation infrastructure of Williamson County continues to be expanded to accommodate the area's growth and to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, Leander, with its Transportation Oriented Development, is the northern terminus of the Capital Metro commuter rail line and provides local residents with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation alternative; and

WHEREAS, Williamson County is among the safest places in the nation, with one of the lowest crime rates anywhere; and

WHEREAS, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Georgetown have been listed among the best places to live, launch a new business, and retire in America; and

WHEREAS, Williamson County is the proud home of Texas Rangers Triple A affiliate team the Round Rock Express and of owner and baseball legend Nolan Ryan; and

WHEREAS, Williamson County is renowned for its exceptional quality of life, and its residents are noted for their hospitality, good will, and civic engagement and for the care and support they show for neighbors in need; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby proclaim April 30, 2015, as Williamson County Day; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the citizens of Williamson County as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Schwertner

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 20, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate