SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 410
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
traveling 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 Future Farmers of America 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 of 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
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.
Lucio
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 11, 2009.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate