Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Action
Boating Access Grant Funding
August 23, 2007

I. Executive Summary: The Department has recently received six applications for public boating access construction and renovation projects requesting $2,214,025 in matching fund assistance. Federal boating access funds are available to fund only one project at this time. Funding approval of one project totaling $500,000 is recommended. In addition, the Department will utilize $379,500 for aquatic vegetation control to improve boating access to Lakes Conroe, Toledo Bend, Caddo, Jacksonville and Austin.

II. Discussion: Local Boating Access Grants: The State Boating Access Program was authorized in 1975 by the 64th Texas Legislature. The program provides funds for the purchase, construction, renovation and maintenance of boat ramps, access roads and other related facilities to improve public recreational boating access to public waters. The program receives funding from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, also known as the Wallop-Breaux Program. Fifteen percent of the state's annual apportionment from the federal Wallop-Breaux Program must be used to provide public access for motor boating facilities. Approved projects are funded on a 75 percent (federal), 25 percent (local sponsor) basis and are operated and maintained by the local government sponsors.

The Department has recently received six applications for renovations of existing or new ramp construction requesting $2,214,025 in matching fund assistance. Based on site visits and analyses, the projects have been ranked in descending order of priority. Currently, funding is available to fund the top ranked project submitted by Angelina County. Exhibit A contains the priority listing with funds requested by the sponsors and funds recommended by staff. In addition, the Department will utilize $379,500 for aquatic vegetation control to improve boating access to Lakes Conroe, Toledo Bend, Caddo, Jacksonville and Austin.

III. Recommendation: The staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motion:

"Funding for a boating access construction/renovation project listed in Exhibit A in the amount of $500,000 and $379,500 for aquatic vegetation control is approved."

Please contact Tim Hogsett for information about Exhibits