SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 71
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 and 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
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.
Nichols
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on January 27, 2009.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate