By: Blanco S.R. No. 62
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Business leaders and policymakers from El Paso
are gathering at the State Capitol to celebrate February 18 and
19, 2025, as El Paso Days in Austin; and
WHEREAS, El Paso has the distinction of being located
where two countries and three states converge; together with its
neighboring border city Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, it forms the
largest binational metroplex in the Western Hemisphere, creating
an intersection of opportunities for economic development; the
El Paso region also represents one of the largest manufacturing
centers in North America, and its ports of entry handle
approximately 20 percent of Texas' total trade activity; area
businesses are fortunate to be served by the El Paso Chamber,
which has taken the lead in promoting economic prosperity and
encouraging a favorable business climate in El Paso for over 125
years; moreover, the City of El Paso was recently recognized with
the Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award by the
International Economic Development Council, which highlighted
its innovative workforce programs and its commitment to driving
sustainable economic growth; and
WHEREAS, Designated as a Great American Defense Community,
El Paso is known for its strong support of military personnel,
veterans, and their families through community integration,
economic opportunities, and a high quality of life; the city
continues to foster innovation, workforce development, and
collaboration, ensuring a welcoming and thriving environment for
those who have served our nation; and
WHEREAS, The Borderplex region encompasses three
significant military installations: Fort Bliss in El Paso, one
of the largest military complexes in the United States and home
to the 1st Armored Division, "America's Tank Division"; White
Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the U.S. Department of
Defense's largest fully instrumented, open-air test range; and
Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo, New Mexico, a key
installation of the Air Education and Training Command; given the
El Paso region's rich military history, continued partnership
with Fort Bliss, and steadfast commitment to veterans, El Paso
County declared itself the "Veterans Capital of the U.S.A." on
November 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, El Paso also features a number of exemplary
educational institutions; The University of Texas at El Paso has
received the prestigious R1 designation from the Carnegie
Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which
recognizes the school's outstanding research activities; Texas
Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, a stand-alone
health sciences center, is home to the Paul L. Foster School of
Medicine, the first four-year medical school along the
U.S.-Mexico border; the University Medical Center of El Paso
houses the region's only Level I Trauma Center and serves as the
primary teaching institution for TTUHSC El Paso; and
WHEREAS, The El Paso region is driving innovation and
economic expansion through strategic investments in advanced
manufacturing, aerospace, and defense; with a strong foundation
built on collaboration between industry leaders, academic
institutions, and local government, El Paso is emerging as a hub
for high-tech research and workforce development, and the region
continues to attract new opportunities that strengthen its
position as a leader in global supply chains and next-generation
manufacturing; and
WHEREAS, An area with a rich and fascinating heritage, El
Paso has contributed immeasurably to the story of the Lone Star
State, and its citizens take great pride in the extraordinary
region they call home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature
hereby recognize February 18 and 19, 2025, as El Paso Days in
Austin and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation.