88R12992 BHH-D By: Herrero H.R. No. 276 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Civic and business leaders of the Coastal Bend are gathering in Austin on February 22, 2023, to celebrate the many qualities that make their region one of the state's premier vacation destinations; and WHEREAS, Each year, the Coastal Bend draws millions of travelers from across the country and around the globe; visitors to Corpus Christi alone infuse more than $1 billion into the local economy and support tens of thousands of jobs; and WHEREAS, The Port of Corpus Christi is one of the largest ports in the country by tonnage, and it holds the distinct honor of exporting the first barrel of U.S. crude after the lifting of a 40-year ban in 2015; it is also a strategically significant port for the United States military, as the Coastal Bend is home to Naval Air Stations Corpus Christi and Kingsville and the Corpus Christi Army Depot; and WHEREAS, The myriad popular attractions in the area include the Padre Island National Seashore, the Texas State Aquarium, and the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, with its 182 acres of tropical flowers, butterflies, and parrots; in addition, visitors enjoy such cultural and educational venues as the Art Museum of South Texas, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, and the USS Lexington aircraft carrier; and WHEREAS, The Coastal Bend area contributes significantly to the vibrancy and prosperity of the Lone Star State, and its residents may indeed take pride in the rich heritage and natural beauty that bring so many visitors to their communities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the region's delegation.