SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 220 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the citizens of Aransas County in proclaiming February 26, 2009, Aransas County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Aransas County was created from Refugio County in 1871 and was named after Rio Nuestra Seora de Aranzazu, a name derived from a famous Spanish palace; and WHEREAS, The county's prime location on the southern coastal plains and its diversified economy have ensured its prosperity; agribusiness, tourism, oil and gas production, and fish packing are the region's major industries; and WHEREAS, Aransas County is home to the Fulton Mansion State Historic Structure, a three-story, French Second-Empire style house built by rancher and businessman George W. Fulton, Sr., and to the Texas Maritime Museum, the official maritime museum of the State of Texas, which is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich maritime heritage of Texas; and WHEREAS, In the county seat of Rockport, the Rockport Center for the Arts brings together artists and art lovers in a stimulating atmosphere, and the Rockport Beach Park has been declared Texas' only Blue Wave Beach, having met the high quality standards set by the Clean Beaches Council; and WHEREAS, The county's Goose Island State Park is home to the Big Tree, and its fishing piers, boat ramps, and marinas offer outdoor sports enthusiasts abundant recreational opportunities; nature lovers and bird watchers find in Aransas County a wealth of places to tour, particularly the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, which is full of various species of wildlife and is the principal wintering ground of the endangered whooping crane; and WHEREAS, Aransas County is a leading participant in our state's dynamic growth, and its rich cultural traditions are a source of pride to its citizens and all other Texans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby join Texans across the state in celebrating February 26, 2009, as Aransas County Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the citizens of Aransas County in honor of this special day. Hegar ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 17, 2009. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate