SR238 - Recognizing March 18, 2025, as Matagorda County Day.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 238          WHEREAS, Residents of Matagorda County are gathering in   Austin on March 18, 2025, to celebrate Matagorda County Day at   the State Capitol; and          WHEREAS, Matagorda County, one of the oldest counties in   Texas, derives its name from the Spanish term for "thick brush,"   referencing the canebrakes that once lined its shores along the Gulf   Coast; located between Galveston and Corpus Christi, 72 miles   southwest of Houston, the county offers residents easy access to a   major metropolitan area while preserving the quiet lifestyle of a   rural South Texas community; and          WHEREAS, Bay City, the county seat of Matagorda County, is   often called the "Gateway to the Great Outdoors"; founded in 1894,   the city was named for its location in the center of a vast coastal   prairie, which has been known as "Bay Prairie" since the time of   Stephen F. Austin; although located 25 miles from the Gulf of   Mexico, the Port of Bay City was constructed in the 1960s to connect   the city to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway via the Colorado River,   and it proudly serves both the industrial and recreational needs of   the county; and          WHEREAS, Matagorda County is known for its abundant wildlife,   diverse geography, and rich natural resources; the county is   believed to be home to more species of birds than anywhere else in   the country during certain times of the year; its marshes, coastal   prairies, rivers, and forests provide outstanding birding   opportunities, with three Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail loops   encompassing 17 observation sites; the Matagorda County Birding   Nature Center and LCRA Matagorda Bay Nature Park are ideal places to   learn about birds, gardening, wildlife, and native plants; in   addition to its avian attractions, the county's bays are teeming   with redfish, flounder, trout, crab, oysters, and shrimp, and the   Port of Palacios is one of the largest shrimping ports in Texas,   home to more than 125 shrimp boats; and          WHEREAS, The county's economy is driven by ranching, farming,   and petroleum, with additional economic strength provided by the   South Texas Project; the county is also home to international   companies such as Tenaris Bay City, OQ Chemicals Corporation, and   LyondellBasell, and it has recently welcomed HIF USA, Air Liquide,   and Roehm America LLC to the area; moreover, Matagorda County is   seeing significant growth in residential development, with over 800   housing starts, as well as an influx of new retail outlets and   restaurants; and          WHEREAS, Matagorda County is blessed with a rich history   and abundant natural resources, and its residents may take great   pride in their county's legacy and bright future; now, therefore,   be it          RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby recognize March 18, 2025, as Matagorda   County Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the   visiting delegation.     Huffman                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on March 18, 2025.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate