TITLE: Recognizing March 1, 2011, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing March 1, 2011, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend area are gathering in Austin on March 1, 2011, to celebrate Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Home to many of Texas' top attractions, this region along the Gulf Coast is an economic powerhouse with a notable history and a bright future; and WHEREAS, The Padre Island National Seashore's 68-mile beach constitutes the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world and is a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts; the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge draws 80,000 visitors a year, and the Texas Maritime Museum draws more than 1,000 visitors a month; and WHEREAS, The Port of Corpus Christi is the sixth-largest port in the nation and an important strategic deployment port for the United States military; Naval Air Station Kingsville is one of the United States Navy's premier jet-training bases, and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi has played a vital role in the growth of the area; and WHEREAS, Postsecondary education is also important in the life of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend area, with Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University--Kingsville, and Del Mar College serving over 28,000 students; in 2006, Texas A&M University--Kingsville opened the doors of its Rangel College of Pharmacy, the first health-related professional school to open in South Texas, and in 2005, Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi opened the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies; and WHEREAS, With its deepwater port facilities, abundant natural resources, and hardworking citizens, the Coastal Bend area of Texas is an inviting place in which to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize March 1, 2011, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol and commend the residents of the area for their many contributions to the rich cultural and economic fabric of our state. Hunter Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 385 was adopted by the House on March 1, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House