Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 2
Action
Boat Ramp Grant Funding
April 2005

I. Executive Summary: The Department has recently received four applications for new boat ramp construction requesting $1,309,463 in matching fund assistance. Funding approval of all four projects is recommended.

II. Discussion: The State Boat Ramp Program was authorized in 1975 by the Sixty-fourth Legislature. The program provides funds for the purchase, construction and maintenance of boat ramps, access roads and related improvements. Program funds may also be used for capital improvements to existing state boat ramp sites. The program receives funding from two sources: (1) The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, also known as the Wallop-Breaux Program, and (2) The State Game, Fish and Water Safety Fund.

Fifteen percent of the State's annual apportionment from the federal Wallop-Breaux Program must be used to provide public access for motor boating facilities. Construction for new ramps is supported on a 75 percent (state) 25 percent (local) basis.

The City of Granbury is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $500,000 for construction of a 3-lane boat ramp, parking lot and access drive, loading docks, restroom, fish cleaning station, dredging, and signs. The facility is located on Lake Granbury adjacent to U.S. Highway 377 in Granbury, Hood County.

The Aransas County Navigation District No. 1 is requesting $258,443 in 75 percent matching funds to improve and expand the capacity of an existing 4-lane boat ramp and parking area by constructing a second parking area, restroom, fish cleaning station, refurbish the existing ramp, and add video surveillance system. The facility is located on the North side of Cove Harbor in Rockport, Aransas County and provides recreational boating access to Aransas Bay.

The City of Childress is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $139,833 for construction of a 1-lane boat ramp, parking lot and access drive, courtesy dock, restroom, fish cleaning station, lighting, and signs. The facility is located on the Southwest side of Lake Childress six miles west of Childress, Childress County.

Ochiltree County is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $411,187 for construction of a 1-lane boat ramp, parking area, courtesy dock, retaining wall, lighting and signs. The facility is located on the South side of Lake Fryer in Wolf Creek County Park, Ochiltree County. The eligibility of one of the project elements has yet to be determined. If it is determined to be ineligible, the grant award will be reduced accordingly.

All four facilities will be operated and maintained by the local government sponsors.

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

"Funding for new construction/renovation projects in the amount of $1,309,463 is approved for boating access facilities in Hood County, Aransas County, Childress County and Ochiltree County."