Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 2
Action
Local Park Grant Funding
August 2004

I. Executive Summary : Make grants from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of outdoor recreation sites. As of January 31, 2004 TPWD received 24 applications requesting $10,185,866 in matching fund assistance. Staff is recommending support of 12 projects in the amount of $5,223,628.

II. Discussion: Local Park Grants: 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 $2,022,610 from Fiscal Year 2005 TRPA revenue and $3,201,018 in federal Land and Water Conservation Funds.

This review includes applications from 24 sponsors, requesting $10,185,866 in matching funds for all applications submitted by January 31, 2004. 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 motions:

"Funding for projects listed in Exhibit A in the amount of $5,223,628 be approved."