H.R. No. 689
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of the Mid-Valley region of Texas
are gathering in Austin on March 11, 2009, to celebrate Mid-Valley
Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Located in the Rio Grande Valley, the Mid-Valley
region includes the towns of Alamo, Donna, Mercedes, Progreso,
Progreso Lakes, San Juan, and Weslaco; this area is a center for
agribusiness, with farmers producing sugarcane, grains, and citrus
fruit such as grapefruits and oranges; and
WHEREAS, The city of Alamo has been undertaking a
far-reaching revitalization plan that has resulted in the
construction of a new city hall, public library, and public works
center; in addition, the town is making significant improvements to
its infrastructure and fire department and police facilities; and
WHEREAS, Upholding the motto "the City with a Heart in the
Heart of the Rio Grande Valley," Donna looks forward to the
completion of the Donna International Bridge to Mexico; the
eight-lane bridge is expected to bolster the city's economy because
of the increased number of shoppers and tourists to and from Mexico;
and
WHEREAS, Mercedes has long been a major center for the
processing and marketing of livestock, cotton, and vegetables, and
it is also known for its boot makers and the shopping opportunities
at the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets; the annual Rio Grande
Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo draws more than 200,000 people to
town each year, and the event provides valuable scholarship funds
for 4-H and FFA students; and
WHEREAS, In addition to being centers for the sugarcane
business, Progreso and Progreso Lakes have been serving as gateways
to the Rio Grande Valley since the opening of the Progreso/Nuevo
Progreso International Bridge in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Fast-growing San Juan is the home of the Virgen de
San Juan del Valle Shrine, which attracts multitudes of pilgrims
from throughout the United States and Mexico, and the town has also
installed a landmark flagpole that pays tribute to the men and women
who have served in the nation's armed forces; and
WHEREAS, The city of Weslaco has become a favorite
destination for tourists, golfers, retirees, and birders and is the
location of two important Texas A&M University research stations;
the annual Onion Fest celebrates the development of the famous
Texas 1015 onion in Weslaco, and this popular event brings many
visitors to the city; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the Mid-Valley region, great emphasis is
placed on the value of education, and one particularly striking
example of the Mid-Valley's educational achievements came in
December 2008, when U.S. News & World Report ranked the Science
Academy of South Texas in Mercedes among the nation's top 100 high
schools; and
WHEREAS, The residents of this dynamic region of the Lone
Star State are justifiably proud of their hard work, civic
commitment, and innovative spirit, and their efforts have created a
group of notable Texas communities that are well prepared to meet
the challenges and opportunities of the future; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 11, 2009, as Mid-Valley Day at
the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes
for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.
Martinez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 689 was adopted by the House on March
11, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House