Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 14
Action
Appropriation Rider for Local Park Grant Funding
August 21, 2008

I. Executive Summary: Staff will brief the Commission regarding appropriated funds approved by the 80th Legislature for Local Park Grants in the amount of $16,685,000 for matching funds to designated projects and sponsors.

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 Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Appropriation Act approved for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department contains an appropriation rider that reads as follows:

"Local Park Grants. Out of funds appropriated above in Strategy B.2.1, Local Park Grants, the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) shall allocate up to $16,685,000 in matching funds for the following grants."

The list of 18 projects includes:

  • $ 600,000 in matching funds for the Brownsville Gladys Porter Zoo
  • $ 500,000 in matching funds for the DeSoto Old Nance Farm
  • $ 500,000 in matching funds for Midland Sibley Nature Center
  • $1,000,000 in matching funds for Midland Beal Park Tennis Center
  • $1,500,000 in matching funds for Montgomery County Spring Creek Parkway II

These entities have submitted the required application materials to receive consideration to receive the specified portion of the appropriation. A summary of each project is attached in Exhibit A. These projects are mandated expenditures by the Texas Legislature, and do not require competition with other grants.

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

"Funding for the special appropriations rider projects as listed in Exhibit A are approved."

Attachments - 1

  1. Exhibit A - Project Summaries

Commission Agenda Item No. 12
Exhibit A

Project Summaries

Project Sponsor: CITY OF BROWNSVILLE Gladys Porter Zoo

Matching Funds Authorized: $ 600,000.00

Discussion:

The City of Brownsville will dedicate 2.21 acres to expand and further develop a portion of the Gladys Porter Zoo. Proposed development includes a new storage facility to allow for the retrofit of the existing storage building for the South Texas Discovery Center and initial site work for the Native Botanical Exhibit. The local match consists of the value of city-owned non-parkland.

Project Sponsor: CITY OF DESOTO Old Nance Farm

Matching Funds Authorized: $ 500,000.00

Discussion:

The City of DeSoto will dedicate 2.326 acres for the Old Nance Farm. The project includes the evaluation and restoration of the historic home and accessory buildings. The local match consists of the value of the city-owned non-parkland.

Project Sponsor: CITY OF MIDLAND Sibley Nature Center

Matching Funds Authorized: $ 500,000.00

Discussion:

The City of Midland will develop the 49-acre Sibley Nature Center. The project includes a wildlife viewing area, trailhead, natural area, entry, gardens, pond restoration, trail, interpretive signs, and parking. The local match consists of the value of the city labor and equipment, private donations of cash, other grants, and other private contributions.

Project Sponsor: CITY OF MIDLAND Beal Park Tennis Center

Matching Funds Authorized: $1,000,000.00

Discussion:

The City of Midland will develop 10 acres for the Beal Park Tennis Center. The project includes lighted tennis courts, fencing, sidewalks, bleachers, landscaping, utilities, restroom/storage/office building. The local match consists of private cash donations and a cash contribution from the Midland ISD.

Project Sponsor: MONTGOMERY COUNTY Spring Creek Greenway II

Matching Funds Authorized: $1,500,000.00

Discussion:

Montgomery County will acquire 278.2 acres to expand the Spring Creek Greenway with Harris County. The project includes extension of the hike and bike trail, pedestrian bridge, benches and interpretive signs. The local match consists of the value of donated land and the value of county-owned non-parkland.