H.R. No. 2006
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The year 2009 marks the centennial of the Beaumont
Center, and this occasion provides a fitting opportunity to honor
this important agricultural research facility; and
WHEREAS, By an act of the Texas Legislature, the center was
first established in 1909 as an experimental station focused on
rice cultivation, with the United States Department of Agriculture
joining the initiative five years later; originally located in the
community of Amelia, it moved to its present location in Beaumont in
1945, and a second research station at Eagle Lake was added in the
1970s; through the years, the center has been the site of a
productive collaboration between educational, governmental, and
agricultural organizations, and today encompasses the Texas A&M
AgriLIFE Research Center, the USDA Agricultural Research Service,
and the Texas Rice Improvement Association; and
WHEREAS, The Beaumont Center is dedicated to the goal of
providing Texas rice producers with a competitive advantage over
growers in other states and nations, but the scientific knowledge
gained at the facility is also applied to the wider agricultural
needs of the United States; the center's 10 scientists and support
staff conduct research that leads to the development of new rice
varieties as well as to practices that help improve rice production
and control pests and diseases; and
WHEREAS, Another vital function of the Beaumont Center is to
contribute to the educational mission of Texas A&M University, with
students taking part in research projects under the guidance of
staff scientists; moreover, the center is active in research
outreach efforts, making presentations to school classes and
offering tours that highlight its ongoing programs; and
WHEREAS, During a century of dedicated work, the Beaumont
Center has pioneered many significant advances that have furthered
the Lone Star State's stature as an agricultural leader, and this
notable facility is indeed deserving of recognition as it marks
this important milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the centennial of the Beaumont
Center and pay tribute to the many devoted people who have
contributed to its achievements through the years; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the center as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Ritter
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2006 was adopted by the House on May
12, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House