85R18543 KSM-D

By: Nevárez H.R. No. 1046

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Proud residents of Brewster County are gathering in Austin on March 22, 2017, to celebrate Brewster County Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Situated in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas, Brewster County is the largest county in the state, nearly as large as the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island put together; its striking landscape includes mountains, desert, grasslands, and forest, which are rich with a variety of wildlife; and

WHEREAS, The rugged terrain discouraged permanent settlement until after the Civil War, when the arrival of the railroad and the presence of the U.S. Army and the Texas Rangers enabled the rise of cattle ranching; Brewster County was established in 1887, after the discovery of mercury in 1884 touched off a mining boom, and by the early 20th century, the Chisos Mining Company was producing 20 percent of the mercury in the nation; and

WHEREAS, Today, the cattle industry, education, and tourism are essential to the county's economy and culture; located in the county seat of Alpine, Sul Ross State University offers students a wide range of bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as a low student-to-teacher ratio; Big Bend National Park features spectacular mountain, desert, and riverine landscapes and attracts up to 350,000 visitors a year, and the Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff, which is held every November, draws competitors from across the state and nation; and

WHEREAS, The people of Brewster County take great pride in their region's abundant natural beauty and fascinating history, and it is indeed fitting to honor them and their unique 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 22, 2017, as Brewster County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.