Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Action
Outdoor Recreation Grant Funding
January 25, 2007

I. Executive Summary: Outdoor Recreation Grants are made available from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of outdoor recreation sites. As of July 31, 2006 TPWD received 32 eligible applications requesting $10,738,727 in matching fund assistance. Staff is recommending support of 13 projects in the amount of $4,534,992.

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 $2,534,992 from Fiscal Year 2007 TRPA revenue and previous LWCF appropriations. This review includes applications from 32 sponsors requesting $10,738,727 in matching funds for all applications submitted by July 31, 2006. 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.

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 $4,534,992 is approved."

Attachments – 1

  1. Exhibit A – Priority Listing (For more information, contact Tim Hogsett of the Recreation Grants Program)