College Station's 75th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the city of College Station, Texas.

College Station has been and is the home to tens of thousands of Texas families, students, businesses, and residents throughout the years, and I am proud to offer my congratulations on this milestone.

College Station was an unincorporated community for over 60 years before officially being incorporated as a city on October 19, 1938.

In 1869, the Houston and Texas Central Railway was built through the area; and in 1871, College Station was chosen as the location for what would eventually become one of the largest public universities in the Nation, Texas A&M University.

The city got its name because the A&M campus was the focal point of community development at the time. In 1877, the area was designated College Station, Texas, by the postal service, deriving its name from the train station located to the west of the campus. Since incorporation in 1938, College Station's population has grown to over 97,000 today. Over the past 75 years, College Station has served as a vibrant, supportive, and safe community for thousands of families.

Texas A&M University is still the city's main focal point and the largest employer in the city. The university is rich in tradition and history; and due to its supportive fan base, sporting events bring in hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

College Station is also the home to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, one of the region's most popular tourist attractions.

College Station is a fast-growing city with a thriving economy. It has recently been recognized as one of the Nation's best places for businesses, jobs, families, and retirees. College Station prides itself on having the fifth lowest property tax rate among similar-sized communities in the State of Texas, and the city was recently ranked No. 5 nationally on Forbes' list of the best small places for businesses and careers.

College Station is among the safest, the most family-friendly places in Texas, maintaining one of the best safety ratings in the State. College Station has also been a community that comes together and shows support when needed, whether it was the collapse of the Aggie bonfire in 1999 or the loss of one of our constables in August of last year. Our community comes together in the midst of terrible adversities to support one another.

The residents and leadership of College Station work hard to make their city one of the best places in Texas to work, live, and maintain an enjoyable and fulfilling life. It is my honor to represent the residents of this great city.

Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating the city of College Station and its proud residents on their 75th anniversary.

Before I close, I ask that all Americans continue to pray for our country during these difficult times and for the military men and women and first responders who protect her. God bless the American people, and God bless College Station, Texas.

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