TITLE: Commemorating the Tornado Memorial Gateway in Lubbock.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the Tornado Memorial Gateway in Lubbock.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The City of Lubbock and its citizens are coming together to create a memorial to commemorate the community's rebirth after the devastating natural disaster that struck the city on May 11, 1970; and WHEREAS, On that evening, two tornados tore through Lubbock, and one of them carved a two-mile path of devastation in the heart of the city, causing almost $200 million in damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure; the storm took 26 lives, ranging from a nine-month-old baby to an 88-year-old, and another 255 people were seriously hurt, while more than 1,500 suffered minor injuries; and WHEREAS, In the aftermath of the disaster, the community pulled together under the leadership of mayor Jim Granberry, city manager Bill Blackwell, and police chief J. T. Alley; in August 1970, a bond proposal was overwhelmingly passed which provided for millions of dollars to rebuild the city, a project that included such new facilities as the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, the Mahon Public Library, and 15 city parks; and WHEREAS, In April 2017, the Lubbock City Council designated a four-acre site at Glenna Goodacre Boulevard and Avenue Qas the location for a new memorial park to tell the story of the tornado, honor those who lost their lives, and celebrate the vision and fortitude of the people who rebuilt Lubbock; budgeted at $4.5 million, the park will include a granite memorial wall, a water feature, trees and green space, and parking, and it will also serve as a gateway to the newly energized downtown cultural arts district; and WHEREAS, This striking memorial represents a fitting tribute to the city's recovery from one of its greatest trials and to those hardworking and steadfast individuals who joined forces to rebuild their beloved community, brick by brick; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the Tornado Memorial Gateway and extend to the city and citizens of Lubbock sincere best wishes for the successful completion of this impressive project. Frullo Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1141 was adopted by the House on May 23, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House