Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Action
Urban Indoor Recreation Grant Funding
August 21, 2008

I. Executive Summary: Urban Indoor Recreation Grants are made available to Texas local governments that exceed 500,000 in population for the acquisition and/or development of indoor recreation sites. The 80th Legislature, Regular Session, created the Large County and Municipality Recreation and Parks Account (Urban Parks Account) by amending Chapter 24 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, adding sections 24.051 through 24.062. As of April 1, 2008, TPWD received one eligible application requesting $1,000,000 in matching fund assistance. Staff is recommending support of this project in the amount of $1,000,000.

II. Discussion: The Texas Recreation and Parks Account Program (TRPA) was authorized in 1993 to assist local political subdivisions of the state in providing basic public recreation facilities. TRPA revenue is generated from a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods.

The 80th Legislature, Regular Session, created the Large County and Municipality Recreation and Parks Account (Urban Parks Account) by amending Chapter 24 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, adding sections 24.051 through 24.062. Large counties and municipalities are defined as city and county governments having populations of 500,000 or more as of the last federal census. Eligible participants include:

Funds available include $1,000,000 from Fiscal Year 2008 Urban Park Account revenue. This review includes one application from one sponsor requesting $1,000,000 in matching funds for all applications submitted by April 1, 2008. Based on site visits and analyses, the projects have been reviewed and are recommended for funding have been ranked in descending order of priority. Exhibit A contains the priority listing with funds requested by the sponsor and funds recommended by staff.

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

"Funding for one project listed in Exhibit A in the amount of $1,000,000.00 is approved."

Attachments - 1

  1. Exhibit A - Priority Listing

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Exhibit A

Urban Indoor Grant Program Priority Listing

Descending Order of Priority
(A = Acquisition, D = Development)
# SCORE APPLICANT AND PROJECT TYPE REQUESTED RECOMMENDED CUMULATIVE
1 17 HOUSTON Sagemont Park Community Center D $1,000,000.00 $1,000,000.00 $1,000,000.00
TOTALS $1,000,000.00 $1,000,000.00