88R12992 BHH-D
 
  By: Herrero H.R. No. 276
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Civic and business leaders of the Coastal Bend are
  gathering in Austin on February 22, 2023, to celebrate the many
  qualities that make their region one of the state's premier
  vacation destinations; and
         WHEREAS, Each year, the Coastal Bend draws millions of
  travelers from across the country and around the globe; visitors to
  Corpus Christi alone infuse more than $1 billion into the local
  economy and support tens of thousands of jobs; and
         WHEREAS, The Port of Corpus Christi is one of the largest
  ports in the country by tonnage, and it holds the distinct honor of
  exporting the first barrel of U.S. crude after the lifting of a
  40-year ban in 2015; it is also a strategically significant port for
  the United States military, as the Coastal Bend is home to Naval Air
  Stations Corpus Christi and Kingsville and the Corpus Christi Army
  Depot; and
         WHEREAS, The myriad popular attractions in the area include
  the Padre Island National Seashore, the Texas State Aquarium, and
  the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, with its 182
  acres of tropical flowers, butterflies, and parrots; in addition,
  visitors enjoy such cultural and educational venues as the Art
  Museum of South Texas, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and
  History, and the USS Lexington aircraft carrier; and
         WHEREAS, The Coastal Bend area contributes significantly to
  the vibrancy and prosperity of the Lone Star State, and its
  residents may indeed take pride in the rich heritage and natural
  beauty that bring so many visitors to their communities; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Coastal Bend Day
  at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the region's
  delegation.