TITLE: Recognizing Brazoria County and its residents for their important contributions to the Lone Star State.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Brazoria County and its residents for their important contributions to the Lone Star State.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature are pleased to recognize Brazoria County and to honor its residents for the important contributions they are making to the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, This section of coastal prairie along the Brazos River was settled in the 1820s by members of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred; Henry Smith of Brazoria served as the first American-born governor of the Mexican territory of Texas and as a leader of the movement for independence; the town of Columbia was the capital of Texas during the first Texas Congress, and in 1836, Brazoria County became one of the original counties established by the new republic; and WHEREAS, Farming and ranching initially constituted the mainstays of the county's economy; the discovery of oil and sulfur deposits in the early 20th century helped the region grow, and chemical processing became increasingly important during World War II and after; commercial fishing and the recreation industry have helped to ensure continuing economic development; and WHEREAS, Today, the numerous cities and towns of Brazoria County boast excellent schools and affordable housing; visitors and residents alike take great pleasure in miles of sandy beaches, bay and offshore fishing, scuba diving, outstanding bird-watching, and the Brazoria and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuges; the county is also home to such attractions as the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, and the county seat of Angleton traditionally hosts the Brazoria County Fair, one of the largest events of its kind in Texas; and WHEREAS, The educational opportunities available to students at Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, and the University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland Campus further enhance the quality of life in the county; and WHEREAS, The largest chemical complex in North America, the Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport, and a flourishing health care industry are among the major contributors to economic growth in the county, and Port Freeport, ranked 10th in chemicals, 19th in total tonnage, and 26th in containers in the United States, is one of the fastest-growing ports on the Gulf Coast; and WHEREAS, The people of Brazoria County take great pride in their rich history as they work together to build an even brighter future, and it is indeed appropriate to take this opportunity to honor them; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby recognize Brazoria County and extend to its citizens sincere best wishes for the future. Thompson of Brazoria Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1484 was adopted by the House on May 29, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House