SOLOMON P. ORTIZ: “3 years ago, I began to search for a legislative vehicle which would accomplish three basic objectives: to expand…”

“3 years ago, I began to search for a legislative vehicle which would accomplish three basic objectives: to expand educational opportunities for young Hispanics; to study ways to preserve the delicate wetlands environment, particularly around industrial complexes along the border; and to find actual wetlands for scientists and students to examine in conjunction with academic pursuits. First, I sought out the Port of Brownsville to see if they had an interest in moving forward a project with so many goals in mind. In an act of monumental generosity, the Port committed over 7,000 acres of valuable wetlands property adjacent to the Port Authority industrial complex--land which students and scientists could examine to discover the effects of industry on the fragile ecosystems of the wetlands in south Texas. I wanted to create a center under which a consortium of colleges and universities could establish programs to provide research, training, and academic classes for minority undergraduate and graduate students in the field of wetlands environmental science, engineering, management, and policy.”