TITLE: Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Texas Artificial Reef Program.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Texas Artificial Reef Program.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texans across the state in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Texas Artificial Reef Program; and WHEREAS, The Texas Artificial Reef Program was established in 1989 following the passage of Senate Bill 5 during the 71st Session of the Texas Legislature; the bill was authored by Senators Buster Brown, Ken Armbrister, Chet Brooks, Carl Parker, and Hector Uribe, and companion legislation in the Texas House of Representatives was sponsored by Representatives John Willy and Eddie Lucio Jr.; and WHEREAS, The legislation was drafted in response to a movement calling for obsolete oil and gas platforms to be used as artificial reefs as an alternative to spending billions of dollars dismantling those platforms; and WHEREAS, In addition to acting as a cost-saving measure, the creation of artificial reefs also serves as a boon to fishermen by providing new habitats for fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico; over the last 30 years, a system of artificial reefs has been successfully established all along the Texas Gulf Coast; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Artificial Reef Program has played a vital role in the state's ecological progress, and it is truly fitting that it receive special recognition upon reaching this milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby commend the sponsors and supporters of the Texas Artificial Reef Program on their exceptional work and extend to them best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of all associated with the Texas Artificial Reef Program. Lucio President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 15, 2019.