81R5370 JGH-D
By: Craddick H.C.R. No. 24
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Midland and Odessa are gathering
in Austin on February 17, 2009, to celebrate Midland-Odessa Day at
the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Set only 20 miles apart in the ranching and oil
country of West Texas, these vibrant Texas cities got their start as
stops on the Texas and Pacific Railway in the 1880s; by 1890,
Midland was one of the most important centers for shipping cattle in
Texas; and
WHEREAS, Odessa began its rapid growth with the discovery of
oil in the Permian Basin in the 1920s, and by the 1940s, it had grown
from 750 residents to 10,000; by 1929, Midland was home to 36 oil
companies, and the demand for oil during World War II helped Odessa
develop as a major processor and distributor of petroleum products,
home to the largest inland petrochemical complex in the world; and
WHEREAS, Today, Midland continues to be the financial and
administrative capital of the Permian Basin, while Odessa remains
the center for the region's oil processing and distribution;
looking to the future, the Midland Development Corporation and the
Odessa Development Corporation are working to strengthen and
diversify the area's economy; and
WHEREAS, Midland is proud to be the hometown of former
president George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, as well
as the longtime home of former president George H. W. Bush, former
first lady Barbara Bush, and former Florida governor Jeb Bush; and
WHEREAS, Odessa and Midland boast many fine historical and
cultural attractions; in Odessa, the Presidential Museum is one of
only a few museums in the nation dedicated to the history of the
presidency, while the Parker House Museum evokes the life of a
prominent Texas ranching family; visitors and residents alike enjoy
the live productions at the replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
on the campus of Odessa College; and
WHEREAS, Midland's Museum of the Southwest offers displays of
the art and archaeology of the American Southwest, and the
interactive exhibits of the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum present
the geology and history of oil in West Texas; the American Airpower
Heritage Museum of the Commemorative Air Force depicts the history
of the U.S. Air Force during World War II; the Midland Festival
Ballet, the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale, and the Midland
Community Theatre offer live performances that inspire and
entertain; and
WHEREAS, For more than a century, the dynamic cities of
Midland and Odessa have been at the economic and cultural hub of
West Texas, and their citizens continue to celebrate their rich
history as they work hard to build a prosperous future; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby recognize February 17, 2009, as Midland-Odessa Day at the
State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for
a memorable and meaningful stay in Austin.