(Austin, TX) — Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa joined Mayor Keith McMullin, City Manager Robert Bradshaw, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ann Vaughn, and Chamber of Commerce President Suzette Freeman in the Senate chamber Wednesday to celebrate Port Aransas Day at the Texas State Capitol. The day was observed with a series of events, including Senate Resolution 110, a private tour of the Capitol and a Legislative Reception. Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa released the following statement.

"Over the years, Port Aransas has grown to be the most popular resort destinations on the Texas Gulf Coast, and I am happy to see that even though the weather here in Austin is not what I call welcoming, community leaders and constituents made the drive to the capitol to showcase the city today.

"There are some funding challenges this legislative session, but it's important that we find ways to keep expanding Port Aransas as well as similar communities. Funding for education, tourism and transportation is vital, and I will work hard alongside my colleagues to find solutions.

"It was an honor for me to welcome this city's impressive delegation. Port Aransas is a Gulf Coast gem, not to mention an important economic engine in the coastal region. I am very proud to celebrate Port Aransas Day here at the capitol."

The tourism industry in Port Aransas plays an integral role in the region as an economic engine. The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute also makes it home here. UTMSI is the oldest and most important marine research facility on the Texas coast and brings talented researchers to study our oceans and coasts, not to mention it trains the future generations of marine scientists.

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