SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 151
WHEREAS, Proud residents of the Mid-Valley region of Texas
are gathering in Austin on February 11, 2015, 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, Pharr, 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 proximity to the
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 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 popular Alamo Central Park; and
WHEREAS, Upholding the motto "the City with a Heart in the
Heart of the Rio Grande Valley," Donna serves as the location of
the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge, which helps 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, Pharr is widely recognized as the "Hub City" of
the Rio Grande Valley and is the proud owner and operator of the
Pharr International Bridge, which for over 20 years has served as
a safe, convenient, and dependable conduit of fruits,
vegetables, and vital textiles entering this country; in
recognition of its commitment to historic preservation, economic
development, and international commerce, this All-America City
will forever carry the distinction of being Texas' first "Triple
Crown City"; 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 United States
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 the Science Academy of
South Texas in Mercedes consistently ranks among the top 100 on
Newsweek's list of "America's Best High Schools"; IDEA Public
Schools, a nonprofit network of public charter schools, operates
26 schools in the Rio Grande Valley; with a mission of preparing
all students for success in college and beyond, these schools
have helped to educate countless young people who have gone on to
become confident, contributing members of their communities; 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 11, 2015, 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; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special day.
Lucio
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 11, 2015.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate