Presenters: Walt Dabney

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Action
Land Transfers
May 2002

I. Discussion: Negotiations have been underway between Parks and Wildlife and the City of Port Lavaca related to the possible transfer of the Port Lavaca State Fishing Pier to the City.

House Bill 2108, 76th Legislature, amended Parks and Wildlife Code to include grants for interim operation and maintenance of parks owned or operated and maintained by the department and being transferred to a political subdivision for operation and maintenance of the site. Included in the negotiation of the proposed transfer of state parks sites will be to consider transfer grant funding to facilitate the transfer. A total of $1.2 million is available for FY02 for facility transfers. Grants will be awarded based upon a proposal from the political subdivision explaining the need for transfer grant funding and detailing the exact amount requested for operations and maintenance. No final proposal regarding the potential transfers will be brought forward to the Commission without extensive opportunity for local public review.

The City of Port Lavaca had requested funds to study the feasibility of renovation and reconstruction of the Port Lavaca State Fishing Pier. An engineering study was conducted by the city of Port Lavaca and the City has determined they wish to accept transfer of the pier. The pier was transferred to Parks and Wildlife from TXDOT in 1963 and has been operated through a concession contract. The facility is currently partially closed as a result of extensive damage experienced in a 1999 fire. The City of Port Lavaca is interested in accepting transfer of the pier along with funds for renovation and reconstruction. Transfer grants are awarded based upon a proposal from the political subdivision explaining the need for transfer grant funding and detailing the exact amount requested for operations and maintenance. The City of Port Lavaca has requested a grant in the amount of $320,000 to repair hand rails, rebuild the restrooms, remove burnt exposed pilings, and repair the deck and under carriage of the pier. The $320,000 is the amount that the engineering study estimated it would cost TPW to demolish the pier. With Commission approval today, Department staff will execute a grant agreement to begin the process of transfer of the site to the City of Port Lavaca.

II. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motions:

"The Executive Director is authorized to execute the necessary agreements to effect the transfer of Port Lavaca State Fishing Pier for operations to the City of Port Lavaca as a city park site. All “state pier” references to the site shall be removed. The Executive Director is authorized to execute a grant agreement in the amount of $320,000 using funds from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account to effect the orderly transfer of this site."

Attachment – 1
1. Exhibit A – Fiscal Note ( Available Upon Request)