83R6246 LB-D By: Price H.R. No. 301 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy in late October 2012, more than 30 committed employees from Xcel Energy/Southwestern Public Service Company, based in Amarillo, traveled to storm-damaged areas in the eastern United States to help restore power; and WHEREAS, Drawn from SPS sites in Texas and New Mexico, a group composed of fleet mechanics, safety consultants, and representatives from management and field operations departed from Amarillo on October 31; although the team initially reported to Appalachian Power in Virginia, it was soon reassigned to assist the Long Island Power Authority in New York in returning power to tens of thousands of customers; and WHEREAS, Living in makeshift housing and enduring inclement weather and long commutes, the Xcel workers persisted in their goal of restoring electricity to the citizens of Plainview, New York; local residents lauded their competence, courtesy, and dedication; the first team returned home after approximately two weeks, and a second group drove the equipment back to Texas; and WHEREAS, These fine workers rendered invaluable service to individuals in great need, and their outstanding professionalism in the midst of hardship has reflected positively on their company and on their states; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend the employees of Xcel Energy/Southwestern Public Service Company who assisted in restoring power to victims of Hurricane Sandy and extend to them best wishes for continued success in all their endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Xcel Energy/Southwestern Public Service Company as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.