WHEREAS, the Hill Country of Texas, one of the fastest growing rural areas in the nation, is underserved by institutions of higher education;

WHEREAS, the continued economic viability of rural Texas and the success and welfare of its residents is highly dependent upon the provision of higher-education services;

WHEREAS, it is essential for the areaís diverse student population to have ready access to higher education opportunities;

WHEREAS, the TTU Hill Country Educational Network and the TTU Center at Junction are critical to meeting the needs of this student population at an affordable cost;

WHEREAS, the educational network and the center are one of the first comprehensive efforts in Texas to provide services to a wide rural area;

WHEREAS, this educational endeavor promotes collaboration, not competition, among colleges and universities;

WHEREAS, local communities in the Hill Country continue to invest in this endeavor with significant contributions by local governments and private donors; and

WHEREAS, continuing State support of the TTU Hill Country Educational Network and the TTU Center at Junction is crucial;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Kerrville Independent School District of Kerrville, Texas, that the Board:

Fully support the Texas Tech University request for appropriations for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009, as submitted to the Texas Legislature, for the TTU Hill Country Educational Network (Fredericksburg, Highland Lakes, and Junction) and the TTU Center at Junction;

Strongly recommends each enactment of these appropriations at the annual levels requested:

TTU Hill Country Educational Network in the amount of $1,132,682 consisting of Special Items Request of $637,500, an Exceptional Item Request of $495,182,
TTU Center at Junction in the amount of a Special Item Request of $362,592.