81R5475 JGH-D
By: Hamilton H.R. No. 171
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Civic leaders from Hardin, Jasper, Newton, and Tyler
Counties are gathering in Austin to celebrate Southeast Texas Days
at the State Capitol from January 25 through 27, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Home to scenic waterways and the dense forest known
as the Big Thicket, this unique region of the Lone Star State is one
of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, with 85 species
of trees, approximately 1,000 species of flowering plants, and more
than 180 varieties of birds; and
WHEREAS, The history of this verdant region is equally rich,
a saga stretching from the days when Atakapa, Caddo, and
Alabama-Coushatta hunted bear amid the pines and cypress, through
the rise of the lumber industry in the late 1800s and the oil boom of
the early 20th century; today, Southeast Texas is home to many
friendly, forward-looking communities that are building an even
brighter future on the foundation laid by those who came before; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the Lumberton, Silsbee, and
Kountze Chambers of Commerce and economic development
corporations, Hardin County is encouraging business growth and
diversifying its economy to encompass manufacturing, agriculture,
and tourism; in addition to the many new residents who have made
their homes here in recent years, the county draws a host of
visitors who come especially to hike and go birding in the Big
Thicket National Preserve and to enjoy the exciting annual
MusicFest; and
WHEREAS, Timber and oil undergird the economy of Jasper
County, where the fine opportunities for fishing and boating on
Lake Sam Rayburn and B. A. Steinhagen Lake lure vacationers from
across the state; the Jasper/Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of
Commerce is working to expand the county's business resources,
while the Jasper Economic Development Corporation has created a
500-acre industrial park adjacent to a county-owned airport with a
mile-long runway; in the southern part of the county, the Buna
Chamber of Commerce welcomes everyone to the "small town with a big
heart"; and
WHEREAS, Picturesque Newton County, with its forested hills
and valleys, offers residents and visitors alike fine boating,
fishing, hiking, and birding at Toledo Bend Reservoir and Wild
Azalea Canyons; the Newton Economic and Community Development
Corporations are providing recently established and longtime
businesses with vital support, and the Newton County Chamber of
Commerce has led in renovating the courthouse square and upgrading
the county's fiber-optic network; and
WHEREAS, Tyler County is a prime destination for hikers,
boaters, birders, and fishermen, with two state parks and access to
B. A. Steinhagen Lake and sections of the Big Thicket National
Preserve; in the spring, Woodville, the county seat, hosts the
popular Tyler County Dogwood Festival, which includes the Festival
of the Arts and the Western Weekend rodeo and dance; among its other
endeavors, the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce is engaged in
promoting the county to those who are looking for a desirable place
to retire; and
WHEREAS, Conveniently close to Beaumont and Houston and
blessed with great natural beauty and abundant resources, the
counties of Hardin, Jasper, Newton, and Tyler make up a distinctive
region of the Lone Star State, and their hardworking citizens can
take great pride in their heritage, achievements, and enterprising
spirit; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize January 25 through 27, 2009, as
Southeast Texas Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful stay
in Austin.