EDWARD 0. VETTER CHAIRMAN • DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE October 25, 1989 The Honorable William P. Clements, Jr. Governor of the State of Texas Capitol Building Austin, Texas 78701 Dear Governor Clements: At our last Department of Commerce board meeting we held an in-depth review of the possibility of Texas participation in the 1992 Universal Exposition to be held in Seville, Spain. As you know, we have estimated that such participation, including the staff required, would require a budget in excess of $3 million. As you know, Senate Bill 222, Rider 31, authorizes the Department of Commerce to expend up to $3 million in general revenue funds to support a state exhibit at Seville. However, no funds were appropriated for this specific purpose. Several months ago, the Board had directed the Commerce staff to review the benefit and funding sources for financing the Seville participation. At the October board meeting, described in the first paragraph, we concluded that Commerce cannot provide the required funds necessary to reserve space, develop and staff an exhibit for the U. S. Pavilion in Seville. We have also considered the possibility of raising funds thru a public-private partnership. Commerce would be pleased to assist .1214r office in putting together a "blue ribbon" committee to assess the probabili y o raising the mi lion plus fund this project will require. However, I must report our preliminary soundings from a few logical supporters hav!...kmilesull. We believe that projects to sell Texas continue to be a major ingredient in creating jobs in the state. Our inability to promote Texas as a place to locate through the print media campaign we discussed last spring is unfortunate. I also regret lack of funds to realistically consider Seville. If you wish further discussion on the Board's conclusion, I am at your disposal. EOV:ml Sincerely, Edward 0. Vetter Chairman POST OFFICE BOX 12728 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711 512/472-5059