TITLE: Recognizing January 24, 2011, as Laredo Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing January 24, 2011, as Laredo Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud citizens of Laredo are gathering in Austin to celebrate Laredo Day at the State Capitol on January 24, 2011; and WHEREAS, Originally known as San Agustin de Laredo, the city was founded in 1755 as an outpost of the Spanish empire; it later belonged to Mexico, after that country gained independence from Spain in 1821, and served as the capital of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande; Laredo became part of Texas in 1846 and was subsequently chosen as the seat of Webb County; and WHEREAS, From its earliest days, Laredo was an important crossing of the Rio Grande and a trading center for livestock, hides, and wool; its role in international trade expanded with the arrival of the railroad in 1881 and with the development of the Zona Libre, or free trade zone, along the border between the United States and Mexico; its economy was further helped by coal mining, the introduction of onion farming, and the discovery of rich oil and gas fields; and WHEREAS, Today, this bustling gateway city is the largest inland port along the Rio Grande and one of the top four ports-of-commerce in the nation, and its diverse economy benefits from the retail, hospitality, import and export, and petroleum industries; in 2008, it handled 40 percent of all trade between the United States and Mexico; Laredo is also a focus for higher education in the Rio Grande Valley, as the home to Texas A&M International University, two campuses of Laredo Community College, and a new extension campus of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; and WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike may explore such area attractions as the historic San Agustin Cathedral, the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, and the Laredo Center for the Arts, while 40 blocks of import vendors along San Bernardo Avenue draw shoppers from near and far; in addition, Laredo is home to Washington's Birthday Celebration, a 114-year-old, 10-day event that includes a carnival, a beauty pageant, a jalapeno festival, and a parade; and WHEREAS, Heirs to a rich history and a vibrant international culture, the citizens of Laredo may indeed take great pride in their city's two and a half centuries of progress and achievement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize January 24, 2011, as Laredo Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful visit to Austin. Raymond Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 174 was adopted by the House on January 24, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House