TITLE: Recognizing March 1 through 3, 2015, as Golden Triangle Days.

SUMMARY: Recognizing March 1 through 3, 2015, as Golden Triangle Days.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the citizens of Jefferson and Orange Counties in the joyous celebration of Golden Triangle Days at the State Capitol on March 1 through 3, 2015; 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 in order 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, Jefferson and Orange County residents have gathered for Golden Triangle Days to demonstrate their commitment to working together for the good of their region and the great State of Texas; and WHEREAS, Jefferson and Orange Counties are important providers of energy and chemical manufactured products; the region is home to the Sabine Neches Waterway, which supports the Ports of Beaumont, Orange, and Port Arthur; the ship channel is fourth in the nation in tonnage, first in bulk liquid cargo, and first among the nation's commercial military out load ports; the federal government in legislation signed by the president on June 10, 2014, authorized improvements that include deepening the ship channel from 40 to 48 feet, which will further enhance this globally competitive gateway to Texas; and WHEREAS, The region links to an extensive rail and pipeline system that supports communities and businesses across the country in refining a minimum of 13 percent of America's daily fuel consumption; construction has been completed on the Keystone pipeline from Oklahoma to Jefferson County; with over $21 billion in announced new economic development projects and another $24 billion under consideration, the region has developed strong business prospects, and it was first in Texas in gross domestic product growth in 2014; 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 coastal habitats such as Sea Rim State Park and the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, which match the region's economic contributions with a strong commitment to the environment; the area is home to Lamar University, Lamar State College--Orange, Lamar State College--Port Arthur, and the Lamar Institute of Technology; these and many other education and training assets contribute significantly to the development of 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 for their dedication and commitment to their communities and to this great state; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby recognize March 1 through 3, 2015, as Golden Triangle Days at the Capitol and welcome the region's visitors to Austin. Nichols President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 2, 2015.