TITLE: Recognizing the Texas Department of Transportation for its work.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Texas Department of Transportation for its work.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Texas Department of Transportation, which is celebrating its centennial throughout the year; and WHEREAS, Established as the Texas Highway Department on April 4, 1917, the earliest incarnation of the state's transportation division was organized 100 years ago with the mission of connecting farms and ranches to markets; today, the Texas Department of Transportation is dedicated to ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods and citizens across 80,000 miles of state-maintained roadways; and WHEREAS, Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, in addition to its previous responsibilities, the department was assigned duties involving aviation, railroads, and ports and waterways in Texas, and it ultimately adopted its current name to reflect this expanded jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Texas Department of Transportation has launched a commemorative centennial website and the "Track the Truck" traveling exhibit; Texans are invited to track a 1918 Liberty Truck as it makes its way through different regions of the state carrying historical photos and a visual timeline that highlights many of the department's significant achievements over the years; and WHEREAS, Through a century of collaboration and leadership, the Texas Department of Transportation has helped connect communities to commerce, people to people, and people to opportunities by building a robust transportation system; department leaders remain committed to their mission of providing reliable service and look forward to meeting the state's ongoing and evolving transportation needs in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend all associated with the Texas Department of Transportation for their work helping to move Texans and commerce throughout the Lone Star State and extend to all best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the department as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Nichols President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 20, 2017.