82R11744 JGH-D
By: Laubenberg H.R. No. 637
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Rockwall County are gathering in
Austin on February 28, 2011, to celebrate Rockwall County Day at the
State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Situated on the gently rolling Blackland Prairie of
North Texas, the region was originally inhabited by Caddo and
Cherokee Indians; the first European resident, John O. Heath,
settled on the East Fork of the Trinity River in 1846; Rockwall
County was established in 1873, taking its name from an underground
rock formation discovered by farmers who were digging a well; and
WHEREAS, An important center for cotton production for many
years, Rockwall County today boasts a population of more than
78,000 people who enjoy being in close proximity to the Dallas-Fort
Worth Metroplex while savoring the relaxed and comfortable way of
life in the county's many thriving communities; and
WHEREAS, The City of Rowlett, on the shore of Lake Ray
Hubbard, is emerging as an important regional center and will be the
site of the intersection of the eastern extension of the President
George Bush Turnpike and the new Blue Line Extension of DART
Commuter Rail; and
WHEREAS, The nearly 7,000 residents of Heath benefit from the
rustic beauty of its spectacular lakeside setting, as well as from
the city's prudent, low-density residential growth strategies;
with soaring property values and low tax rates, the community is
further strengthened by superior public schools and by recent
commercial and professional development, including the Baylor
Medical Center at Rockwall; and
WHEREAS, The fastest-growing city in the state, the
population of Fate rose from 497 in 2000 to 6,357 in 2010, an
increase of 1,179 percent; in 2008, the city's voters passed a
home-rule charter by an overwhelming majority; this development
promises to make that community an even more important component of
the county's economy; and
WHEREAS, Positive change and preparation for the years ahead
are also taking place in the City of McLendon-Chisholm; this is the
newest city in Rockwall County but was formed from two of the oldest
area communities, McLendon and Chisholm, both of which date back to
the mid-1800s; and
WHEREAS, Designated as a Main Street City in 2009, Rockwall
is a fast-growing suburban community that is dedicated to
preserving its heritage and its pleasant, family-friendly
atmosphere; as part of that effort, the city's Historic
Preservation Advisory Board has worked with residents and civic
leaders to develop a preservation plan for the Old Town Rockwall
Historic District, which will help the district to remain the
vibrant heart of the city; and
WHEREAS, Residents of Royse City are also making it a
priority to carry forth the small-town way of life that has long
characterized their community; designated as a Main Street City in
2008, the town has established a Heritage Committee and ordinance
and design guidelines in order to revitalize the historical
district, and it also benefits from a strong chamber of commerce
that supports local businesses; and
WHEREAS, Helping to build a bright future for the region is
the Leadership Rockwall County Class of 2011; members of this
outstanding program are working to become local leaders by learning
about the challenges and opportunities of the county's civic and
business community; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Rockwall County, citizens have done an
outstanding job of building on long-cherished hometown values as
they plan for a dynamic future, and their ongoing success in these
endeavors has made the county an exceptional place to live, work,
and raise a family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 28, 2011, as Rockwall County
Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those residents here
today best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable visit.