TITLE: Recognizing the Port of Brownsville on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Port of Brownsville on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Port of Brownsville on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, which is being celebrated May 13, 2011; and WHEREAS, The Port of Brownsville came about through the efforts of many people, including President Franklin Roosevelt and Commodore Louis Cobolini, but the main impetus for its creation came from Congressman John Nance Garner, who represented the Rio Grande Valley before becoming vice president under President Roosevelt; and WHEREAS, Through the years, the Port of Brownsville has played a vital role in the economy of the Rio Grande Valley, and today it generates, directly and indirectly, some 38,000 jobs on the local and state levels; the port has handled a wide variety of commodities, including tropical fruit, lumber, and shrimp, and for a time it was the nation's leading port for cotton; and WHEREAS, The port has throughout its history been committed to innovation and flexibility; it is an industry leader in ship recycling, with the only two Navy-certified ship recyclers in the country, and it is part of one of only eight shipping corridors designated as Marine Highways by the United States Department of Transportation; these corridors provide safety benefits by relieving congestion on the United States Highway system and provide an environmentally more sustainable method of transporting goods; and WHEREAS, The Port of Brownsville has had a profound impact on the life and economy of the Rio Grande Valley, and it is truly fitting that it be recognized as it passes this milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby join the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Port of Brownsville; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the port as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Lucio President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 4, 2011.