Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Action
Outdoor Recreation Grant Funding
January 2004

I. Executive Summary: Outdoor Recreation Grants are made available from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account and the Land and Water Conservation Fund to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of outdoor recreation sites. As of July 31, 2003 TPWD received 30 applications requesting $13,132,031.00 in matching fund assistance. Staff is recommending support of 10 projects in the amount of $4,827,582.00.

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.

Funds available include $4,123,349 from Fiscal Year 2004 TRPA revenue and $704,233 from Land and Water Conservation Fund Fiscal Year 2003 apportionments. This review includes applications from 30 sponsors requesting $13,132,031 in matching funds for all applications submitted by July 31, 2003. Based on site visits and analyses, the projects have been ranked in descending order of priority. Exhibit A contains the priority listing with funds requested by the sponsors and funds recommended by staff. Exhibit B contains a discussion of individual, eligible project proposals.

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

"Funding for projects listed in Exhibit A in the amount of $4,827,582.00 is approved, as described for individual projects in Exhibit B.”

Attachments – 2
1. Exhibit A - Priority Listing
2. Exhibit B - Discussion of Individual Project Proposals