85R13390 KSM-D

By: Lucio III H.R. No. 726

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Proud residents of Harlingen and San Benito are gathering in Austin on March 8, 2017, to celebrate Harlingen-San Benito Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, From the time in 1904 when Lon C. Hill chose a site alongside the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railway as the location for a new town, Harlingen was destined to become a crossroads of commerce; transportation kept pace as the city developed, and today residents and businesses benefit from its proximity to the Free Trade International Bridge at Los Indios, and the Port of Harlingen provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway; additionally, the city's World War II airfield has developed into the region's largest airport, Valley International; and

WHEREAS, The area's climate and abundant natural resources have made Harlingen a popular destination for numerous travelers, including winter Texans, birders, and outdoor enthusiasts; attractions include the Iwo Jima memorial, the historic downtown district, and a variety of parks and sports facilities; and

WHEREAS, Through the creation of an expansive irrigation system and a significant network of railroads, the nearby city of San Benito developed its early economy as a shipping center for citrus and vegetables from the lower Rio Grande Valley; today, the city enjoys easy access to the border, a robust industrial park, and a growing tourist industry; and

WHEREAS, San Benito has helped to promote, preserve, and support a number of important cultural institutions, and the city is home to the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the San Benito History Museum, the Freddy Fender Museum, and the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center; and

WHEREAS, Harlingen and San Benito have become a regional health care hub, with the Valley Baptist Health System, the Harlingen Medical Center, and the Su Clinica Familiar; residents of both cities also benefit from the educational opportunities presented by Texas State Technical College and the Regional Academic Health Center; and

WHEREAS, The people of Harlingen and San Benito may take great pride in their achievements as they work together to build a bright future, and it is indeed fitting to honor them for their contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize March 8, 2017, as Harlingen-San Benito Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.