SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 188
WHEREAS, The Texas Senate is proud to join the citizens of
Jefferson and Orange Counties in celebrating Golden Triangle
Days at the State Capitol on March 5 through 7, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of visitors from throughout the culturally
unique region formed by the cities of Beaumont, Orange, and Port
Arthur have come to Austin to meet with elected officials to
express appreciation for their work and to inform lawmakers of
opportunities to further strengthen the communities that make up
the Golden Triangle; and
WHEREAS, Residents of Jefferson and Orange Counties have
gathered for Golden Triangle Days to demonstrate their commitment
to work together for the good of their region and the great State of
Texas; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson and Orange Counties continue to make
significant strides to provide energy and chemical-manufactured
products; the region is home to the Sabine Neches Waterway
supporting the Ports of Beaumont, Orange, and Port Arthur making
the ship channel fourth in the nation in tonnage, first as a
United States crude oil importer, first in bulk liquid cargo, and
first as the nation's commercial military out-load ports; the
federal government, in legislation signed by the president on
June 10, 2014, authorized improvements to include deepening the
ship channel from 40 to 48 feet, thus making way for an improved
globally competitive gateway to Texas; and
WHEREAS, The region is linked to an extensive rail and
pipeline system that supports communities and businesses across
the country and refines a minimum of 13 percent of America's
daily fuel consumption; construction has been completed on the
Keystone pipeline from Oklahoma to Jefferson County, and with
over $3 billion in announced new economic development projects
and another $20 billion under consideration, the region accounts
for a major part of the wealth for the entire state and was first
in Texas in gross domestic product growth this past year; and
WHEREAS, The distinctive cultural and historic
contributions of this region are highlighted by numerous tourist
attractions, including Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature
Center, Big Thicket National Preserve, and such coastal habitats
as Sea Rim State Park and the McFadden National Wildlife Refuge;
they match the region's economic contributions with a strong
commitment to the environment; in addition, the region is home to
Lamar University, Lamar State College--Orange, Lamar State
College--Port Arthur, and the Lamar Institute of Technology, as
well as many other education and training assets which
significantly contribute to a workforce-ready population; and
WHEREAS, The people of Orange and Jefferson Counties have
been building a vibrant, forward-reaching region, and it is a
pleasure to acknowledge the public-spirited citizens from the
Golden Triangle here today for their dedication and commitment to
their communities and to our great state; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize March 5 through 7, 2017, as Golden
Triangle Days at the State Capitol and welcome the region's
visitors to Austin.
Creighton
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 13, 2017.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate