By: Blanco S.R. No. 62

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Business leaders and policymakers from El Paso are gathering at the State Capitol to celebrate February 18 and 19, 2025, as El Paso Days in Austin; and

WHEREAS, El Paso has the distinction of being located where two countries and three states converge; together with its neighboring border city Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, it forms the largest binational metroplex in the Western Hemisphere, creating an intersection of opportunities for economic development; the El Paso region also represents one of the largest manufacturing centers in North America, and its ports of entry handle approximately 20 percent of Texas' total trade activity; area businesses are fortunate to be served by the El Paso Chamber, which has taken the lead in promoting economic prosperity and encouraging a favorable business climate in El Paso for over 125 years; moreover, the City of El Paso was recently recognized with the Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award by the International Economic Development Council, which highlighted its innovative workforce programs and its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth; and

WHEREAS, Designated as a Great American Defense Community, El Paso is known for its strong support of military personnel, veterans, and their families through community integration, economic opportunities, and a high quality of life; the city continues to foster innovation, workforce development, and collaboration, ensuring a welcoming and thriving environment for those who have served our nation; and

WHEREAS, The Borderplex region encompasses three significant military installations: Fort Bliss in El Paso, one of the largest military complexes in the United States and home to the 1st Armored Division, "America's Tank Division"; White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the U.S. Department of Defense's largest fully instrumented, open-air test range; and Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo, New Mexico, a key installation of the Air Education and Training Command; given the El Paso region's rich military history, continued partnership with Fort Bliss, and steadfast commitment to veterans, El Paso County declared itself the "Veterans Capital of the U.S.A." on November 1, 2022; and

WHEREAS, El Paso also features a number of exemplary educational institutions; The University of Texas at El Paso has received the prestigious R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which recognizes the school's outstanding research activities; Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, a stand-alone health sciences center, is home to the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, the first four-year medical school along the U.S.-Mexico border; the University Medical Center of El Paso houses the region's only Level I Trauma Center and serves as the primary teaching institution for TTUHSC El Paso; and

WHEREAS, The El Paso region is driving innovation and economic expansion through strategic investments in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defense; with a strong foundation built on collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, and local government, El Paso is emerging as a hub for high-tech research and workforce development, and the region continues to attract new opportunities that strengthen its position as a leader in global supply chains and next-generation manufacturing; and

WHEREAS, An area with a rich and fascinating heritage, El Paso has contributed immeasurably to the story of the Lone Star State, and its citizens take great pride in the extraordinary region they call home; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 18 and 19, 2025, as El Paso Days in Austin and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation.