SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 123

WHEREAS, Proud residents of Pearland are gathering in Austin on February 27, 2019, to celebrate Pearland Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Located in Brazoria County, Pearland was originally established as Mark Belt in 1893, but the following year, its name was changed to reflect the large number of pear trees in the area; by 1898, the town had a newspaper, 12 businesses, and 75 residents; however, its growth slowed considerably, and many of its fruit trees were destroyed when it was hit by the Galveston hurricane in 1900; the planting of oranges and figs helped revive local agriculture, until the freeze of 1918 caused another wave of damage; Pearland bounced back a second time, though, and in 1934, oil and gas were discovered in the area, prompting significant growth in the decades that followed; and

WHEREAS, While enjoying the benefits of its proximity to Houston and such sites as the Johnson Space Center, Kemah Boardwalk, and the beaches in Galveston, Pearland maintains its own unique character; in 1999, it was named an All-America City by the National Civic League, and its notable attractions include the more than 100-year-old Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad Depot, Pearland Town Center, and an emerging biotech and manufacturing area known as the Kirby District; and

WHEREAS, Pearland is fortunate to have a local chamber of commerce that works diligently to further the city's development andkeepthecitizenryinformedonmattersthataffectthe region; the city also boasts a highly rated school system that is committed to helping with workforce development; moreover, the University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland Campus is meeting area needs with the addition of a health science building, and the city benefits from an ongoing partnership between the university and Alvin Community College; and

WHEREAS, Over the last 125 years, Pearland has experienced explosive growth, substantial development, and a handful of tragedies along the way, but it would not be what it is today without that history; from humble beginnings to becoming one of the fastest-growing communities in the country, Pearland will continue its neighborly and warm traditions for generations to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize February 27, 2019, as Pearland Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.

Taylor

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 27, 2019.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate