Honoring Rio Vista Farm in Socorro on the occasion of National Historic Preservation Month.

89(R) HR 1153 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 1153

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The observance of National Historic Preservation

Month in May 2025 provides an ideal opportunity to recognize Rio

Vista Farm in Socorro; and

WHEREAS, Rio Vista Farm was founded as a poor farm and

institutional facility in the early 20th century; beginning in

World War II, it became a crucial site in the Bracero Program, the

landmark labor agreement between the United States and Mexico that

brought Mexican workers to the U.S. to fill agricultural and

railroad jobs; and

WHEREAS, After opening in 1942 as one of the first bracero

reception and processing centers, Rio Vista remained one of the

most active until its closing in 1964; thousands of Mexican

laborers passed through its gates, responding to our nation's

workforce needs during the war and in the decades that followed; and

WHEREAS, The City of Socorro and its historic preservation

officer, Victor Reta, have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of

the importance of Rio Vista; in 2024, it was designated as a

National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, becoming

the first site in Far West Texas to receive this distinction in over

two decades; and

WHEREAS, Today, the city is leading a $35 million historic

rehabilitation project to transform Rio Vista into a cultural,

educational, and economic cornerstone for the region; the campus

will remind future generations of the immeasurable contributions

made by braceros to the growth and prosperity of the country; and

WHEREAS, Understanding the places that shaped our past

fosters wisdom for building a brighter future, and the

revitalization of Rio Vista Farm is elevating a legacy that should

never be forgotten; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby honor Rio Vista Farm on the occasion of National

Historic Preservation Month and commend all those involved in the

revitalization initiative for their dedicated efforts; and, be it

further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for the City of Socorro as an expression of high regard by

the Texas House of Representatives.

González of El Paso

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1153 was adopted by the House on May

23, 2025, by a non-record vote.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House