87R6429 CW-D
 
  By: Thompson of Brazoria H.R. No. 1484
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the
  87th Texas Legislature are pleased to recognize Brazoria County and
  to honor its residents for the important contributions they are
  making to the Lone Star State; and
         WHEREAS, This section of coastal prairie along the Brazos
  River was settled in the 1820s by members of Stephen F. Austin's Old
  Three Hundred; Henry Smith of Brazoria served as the first
  American-born governor of the Mexican territory of Texas and as a
  leader of the movement for independence; the town of Columbia was
  the capital of Texas during the first Texas Congress, and in 1836,
  Brazoria County became one of the original counties established by
  the new republic; and
         WHEREAS, Farming and ranching initially constituted the
  mainstays of the county's economy; the discovery of oil and sulfur
  deposits in the early 20th century helped the region grow, and
  chemical processing became increasingly important during World
  War II and after; commercial fishing and the recreation industry
  have helped to ensure continuing economic development; and
         WHEREAS, Today, the numerous cities and towns of Brazoria
  County boast excellent schools and affordable housing; visitors and
  residents alike take great pleasure in miles of sandy beaches, bay
  and offshore fishing, scuba diving, outstanding bird-watching, and
  the Brazoria and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuges; the county
  is also home to such attractions as the Varner-Hogg Plantation
  State Historic Site, and the county seat of Angleton traditionally
  hosts the Brazoria County Fair, one of the largest events of its
  kind in Texas; and
         WHEREAS, The educational opportunities available to students
  at Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, and the University
  of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland Campus further enhance the quality
  of life in the county; and
         WHEREAS, The largest chemical complex in North America, the
  Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport, and a flourishing health care
  industry are among the major contributors to economic growth in the
  county, and Port Freeport, ranked 10th in chemicals, 19th in total
  tonnage, and 26th in containers in the United States, is one of the
  fastest-growing ports on the Gulf Coast; and
         WHEREAS, The people of Brazoria County take great pride in
  their rich history as they work together to build an even brighter
  future, and it is indeed appropriate to take this opportunity to
  honor them; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize Brazoria County and extend to its
  citizens sincere best wishes for the future.