SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 8
(By Senators Oliverio, Hunter, Prezioso and Minear)



Recognizing, commending and honoring the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey's 100 years of service to West Virginia.
Whereas, Governor Boreman in, 1864 through House Bill No. 22, attempted to recognize the role of geology in West Virginia's future prosperity and the necessity for the state to appoint a state geologist who would conduct a geological survey determining the resources of our state; and
Whereas, The Legislature continued to discuss the question of the necessity of establishing a state geological survey and its potential for contributions to the well-being and economic opportunity for West Virginia in 1870, 1876, 1882 and 1897; and
Whereas, The West Virginia Legislature on February 26, 1897, passed an act to establish a state geological and economic survey to provide for the preparation and publication of reports and maps to illustrate the natural resources together with the necessary investigations preparatory thereto; and
Whereas, The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, from the time of its first state geologist, the venerable Dr. Israel Charles White, succeeded by eight other state geologists in either acting or appointed capacity, including Dr. Paul H. Price, Dr. Robert B. Erwin and Larry D. Woodfork, the current director and state geologist, has expertly focused on understanding the natural resources of the state, sharing that knowledge with citizens of the entire state and various corners of the nation and world; and
Whereas, Today's devoted state employees on the staff of the Geological and Economic Ssurvey continue the tradition of 100 years of unsurpassed service, insightful geological research and effective outreach with recognized distinction and success; and Whereas, The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey is on the forefront of technological development to provide geological maps, information and publications in the most expeditious way that promotes geological science for the public good into the twenty-first century; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That congratulations are given to the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, its director and state geologist, Larry D. Woodfork, and the entire staff of dedicated state employees, at the end of their first 100 years of service to the citizens of the state of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey is hereby recognized, encouraged and supported for its next century in its mission to provide unbiased, quality and effective geological research and information for the well- being of the state of West Virginia in the same fashion it has so aptly done throughout the past 100 years; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby designates the tewenty-fsixth day26th of February of each year to be "West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey Day" and hereby encourages all citizens to recognize the Survey and its employees who have served the citizens so admirably through their dedication to the well-being of our state; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Larry D. Woodfork and the employees of the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey with the warmest congratulations and best wishes of the Senate.