83R21200 JGH-D
By: Dale H.R. No. 1470
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Williamson County are coming
together in Austin to celebrate Williamson County Day at the State
Capitol on April 23, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Originally home to the Tonkawa Indians, this region
of rolling brushland and coastal plains was first settled by Anglo
Americans in the 1830s; Williamson County was established in 1848
and named for Robert M. Williamson, a judge and soldier; Georgetown
was founded that same year and named as county seat; and
WHEREAS, Today, Williamson County is among the
fastest-growing counties in the nation, with a population of more
than 450,000; a center for higher education, it is home to campuses
of Southwestern University, Texas State University-Round Rock
Higher Education Center, and Austin Community College; the county
also boasts the Texas A&M Health Science Center and the Texas
Life-Sciences Collaboration Center, which is drawing emerging
biotech, nanotech, and medical device companies to the region; in
2013, Williamson was ranked as the healthiest county in Texas by the
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; and
WHEREAS, With nearly 50,000 people, Georgetown has grown 67
percent since the last census, and the city has all the conveniences
of a modern community while preserving its small-town charm; over
180 homes and buildings in the town are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, and residents and visitors alike
delight in its picturesque downtown and its many opportunities for
recreation; Fortune magazine selected it as the number two place in
the nation to live and launch a small business, and CNN Money
magazine named it among the top 25 Best Places to Retire; and
WHEREAS, Round Rock is the largest city in the county, with
more than 104,000 residents, and it is celebrating its centennial
in 2013; home to such major employers as Dell, TECO-Westinghouse
Motor Company, and Hospira, the city has won numerous accolades in
recent years; it placed second in the Milken Institute's 2012 list
of Best-Performing Cities in America, made the top 10 of CNBC.com's
Perfect Suburbs, and was ranked by CQ Press as the second safest
city in Texas and the 11th safest city in America with a population
over 100,000; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1887 and incorporated in 1973, Cedar Park
has grown by more than 400 percent in the last 10 years; ideally
situated close to the amenities of Austin and the natural splendor
of the Hill Country, the city attracts new residents from around the
world with its 860 acres of parkland and its fine restaurants and
shops; it has been named by Family Circle magazine as one of the Top
Ten Places to Raise a Family; and
WHEREAS, Leander offers its residents a relaxed, Hill Country
lifestyle as well as easy access to the cultural and recreational
opportunities of the Austin area; the city is close to several
state-of-the-art medical facilities and institutions of higher
learning; the Greater Leander Chamber of Commerce has grown by more
than 400 percent since 2005, and the city's Economic Development
Department has successfully encouraged impressive new retail,
commercial, and industrial construction in recent years,
broadening and deepening the city's economic base; and
WHEREAS, Proud of its heritage as a farming center, today
Taylor is a rapidly growing, modern community; its residents
benefit from the access to education afforded by the East
Williamson County Higher Education Center, as well as the
opportunities for recreation at the city's hike and bike trails,
swimming pools, tennis courts, and Regional Park and Sports
Complex; the history and culture of the town are on display at the
Moody Museum, and visitors and residents alike take delight in such
annual events as the Taylor Zest Fest, the Rattlesnake Roundup, and
the rodeo; and
WHEREAS, Blessed with a thriving economy and an exceptional
quality of life, Williamson County is justly celebrated for the
can-do spirit and civic engagement of its people, who are working
every day to create a bright and exciting future; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 23, 2013, as Williamson County
Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful day in Austin.