82R8255 MGR-D
By: Martinez H.R. No. 561
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 9, 2011, to celebrate Mid-Valley
Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Located in eastern Hidalgo County 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 is located in close proximity to
the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which comprises more than
2,000 acres of protected land and is home to a wide array of animals
and plants; in addition, the town boasts a birding information
center and the recently renovated Alamo Central Park; and
WHEREAS, Upholding the motto "the City with a Heart in the
Heart of the Rio Grande Valley," Donna recently celebrated the
opening of the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge; representing a
federal investment of $110 million over 10 years, the bridge is
expected to facilitate shopping, tourism, and commercial trade 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 Basilica of
Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine, which attracts
multitudes of pilgrims from throughout the United States and
Mexico; the town hosts an annual Spring Fiesta and is the site of
numerous parks, including Liberty Park, with its flagpole monument
that honors those who have served in the U.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 area's educational achievements came in 2010, when
Newsweek ranked the Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes as
number 12 on its list of "America's Best 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 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 9, 2011, as Mid-Valley Day at
the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.