86R8777 KSM-D
By: Thompson of Brazoria H.R. No. 173
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Pearland are gathering in Austin
on February 27, 2019, to celebrate Pearland Day at the State
Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Located in Brazoria County, Pearland was originally
established as Mark Belt in 1893, but the following year, its name
was changed to reflect the large number of pear trees in the area;
by 1898, the town had a newspaper, 12 businesses, and 75 residents;
however, its growth slowed considerably, and many of its fruit
trees were destroyed when it was hit by the Galveston hurricane in
1900; the planting of oranges and figs helped revive local
agriculture, until the freeze of 1918 caused another wave of
damage; Pearland bounced back a second time, though, and in 1934,
oil and gas were discovered in the area, prompting significant
growth in the decades that followed; and
WHEREAS, While enjoying the benefits of its proximity to
Houston and such sites as the Johnson Space Center, Kemah
Boardwalk, and the beaches in Galveston, Pearland maintains its own
unique character; in 1999, it was named an All-America City by the
National Civic League, and its notable attractions include the more
than 100-year-old Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad Depot,
Pearland Town Center, and an emerging biotech and manufacturing
area known as the Kirby District; and
WHEREAS, Pearland is fortunate to have a local chamber of
commerce that works diligently to further the city's development
and keep the citizenry informed on matters that affect the region;
the city also boasts a highly rated school system that is committed
to helping with workforce development; moreover, the University of
Houston-Clear Lake Pearland Campus is meeting area needs with the
addition of a health science building, and the city benefits from an
ongoing partnership between the university and Alvin Community
College; and
WHEREAS, Over the last 125 years, Pearland has experienced
explosive growth, substantial development, and a handful of
tragedies along the way, but it would not be what it is today
without that history; from humble beginnings to becoming one of the
fastest-growing communities in the country, Pearland will continue
its neighborly and warm traditions for generations to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 27, 2019, as Pearland Day at
the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.