SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 308

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to welcome the citizens of the neighboring communities of Harlingen and San Benito who are visiting Austin on March 5 and 6, 2019, to celebrate Harlingen-San Benito Days at the Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Harlingen traces its roots to Lon C. Hill, who proposed the town site be astride the tracks of the Saint Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railway; Harlingen was then destined to become a crossroads, and the first train passed through on July 4, 1904; and

WHEREAS, Harlingen's World War II army air field evolved into Harlingen Air Force Base, and later, into Valley International Airport, the region's largest airport; additionally, Harlingen's Free Trade Bridge provides access to Mexico, and its barge port connects to the Intracoastal Waterway; and

WHEREAS, The area's semitropical climate, natural resources, and friendly people have long made Harlingen a destination for travelers, including winter Texans, birders, and other outdoor enthusiasts; attractions include the Iwo Jima Memorial, the historic downtown district with its mural and heritage trails, and an abundance of parks and sports facilities; and

WHEREAS, The Harlingen Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1919, and it has worked with the city for the past 100 years; its 915 active members maintain a serious commitment to the goals of the organization and promote business activities throughout the community; and

WHEREAS, The City of San Benito began to flourish due to the efforts of such early pioneers as Colonel Sam Robertson; through the creation of an expansive irrigation system and the development of a significant railroad system and network, San Benito contributed greatly to the economic rise of Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, San Benito has been an asset to our state and nation in multiple ways; the city's sons and daughters have played a notable role in our country's defense through their service in conflicts around the world; in addition, San Benito promotes, preserves, and supports the cultural arts and institutes that generate tourism in Texas; 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, The residents of Harlingen and San Benito have developed a regional health care hub that includes the Valley Baptist Health System, the Harlingen Medical Center, and Muñiz Rio Grande Pharmacy; and

WHEREAS, Residents of both cities have long understood the importance of education as a key to the future and have supported efforts to expand public and private schools; the area's assets include Texas State Technical College and the Regional Academic Health Center, which has been an integral part of medical services and education in the Rio Grande Valley since 1999; and

WHEREAS, The Cities of Harlingen and San Benito are home to more than 100,000 Texans, and residents proudly embrace the colorful history of their communities while confidently anticipating a prosperous future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Harlingen and San Benito on their many contributions to the growth and prosperity of our state and extend to them best wishes for a productive and rewarding visit on Harlingen-San Benito Days at the Capitol; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion.

Lucio

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 6, 2019.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate