TITLE: Recognizing March 5, 2013, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing March 5, 2013, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join citizens of the Coastal Bend area in recognizing March 5, 2013, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Home to many of Texas' top attractions, the Coastal Bend area is an economic powerhouse boasting a new Schlitterbahn Water Park, a Tianjin Pipe Group Corporation America plant, and many Eagle Ford Shale oil and natural gas development industries; and WHEREAS, The Padre Island National Seashore's 68-mile beach constitutes the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world and is a favorite of Kemp's ridley sea turtles, 380 bird species, and thousands of human outdoor enthusiasts; the Aransas Wildlife Refuge draws 75,000 visitors a year and is known for the world's only flock of whooping cranes, and the Texas Maritime Museum draws more than 1,000 visitors a month; and WHEREAS, The Port of Corpus Christi is the fifth-largest port in the nation and an important economic port and strategic deployment port for the United States military; Naval Air Station Kingsville is the United States Navy's largest advanced jet-training base, and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi Army Depot have played a vital role in the growth of our area; and WHEREAS, Education plays a major role in the life of the area; Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University--Kingsville, Coastal Bend College, and Del Mar College serve over 26,000 students; and WHEREAS, Del Mar College is focusing efforts to prepare an adequate workforce for emerging local industries while continuing to provide emergency first responders and other technically skilled residents and preparing students for university transfer; and WHEREAS, Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi is a growing institution that offers doctoral degree programs and provides challenging and supportive educational experiences that prepare graduates to succeed in the workplace and become responsible citizens in the global community; and WHEREAS, With its deep-water port facilities, abundant natural resources, and hard-working 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby recognize March 5, 2013, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for an enjoyable stay in Austin; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special day. Hinojosa, Hegar, Lucio, Zaffirini President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 5, 2013.