Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 4
Action
Boating Access Grant Funding
January 2008

I. Executive Summary: The Department has recently received six applications for public boating access construction and renovation projects requesting $1,749,799 in matching fund assistance. Federal boating access funds are available to fund four of the projects at this time. Funding approval of four projects totaling $1,140,274 is recommended.

II. Discussion: The State Boating Access Program was authorized in 1975 by the 64th Legislature. The program provides funds for the purchase, construction, renovation and maintenance of boat ramps, access roads and other related facilities to improve public recreational boating access to public waters. The program receives funding from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, also known as the Wallop-Breaux Program. 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. Approved projects are funded on a 75 percent (federal), 25 percent (local sponsor) basis and are operated and maintained by the local government sponsors.

The Department has recently received six applications for renovations of existing or new ramp construction requesting $1,749,799 in matching fund assistance. Based on site visits and analyses, the projects have been ranked in descending order of priority. Currently, funding is available to fund the top four ranked projects submitted by Llano County, City of Waco, City of Port Aransas and the Village of Surfside Beach. Exhibit A contains project descriptions, the priority listing with funds requested by the sponsors and staff funding recommendations.

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

"Funding for four boating access construction/renovation projects listed in Exhibit A in the amount of $1,140,274 is approved."

Attachments - 1

1. Exhibit A – Project Descriptions

Commission Agenda Item No. 4
Exhibit A

Boating Access Project Descriptions

Project Sponsor:

Llano County

Project:

Black Rock Park Boat Ramp Renovation

Matching Funds Requested (75%):

$403,100

Location:

Black Rock Park on Lake Buchanan, Llano County

Discussion:

Llano County is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $487,050 for replacement of a 2-lane boat ramp that will be useable at more varied water levels, parking area and signing. The facility provides public boating access to Lake Buchanan.

Recommendation:

Fund the project. Existing boat ramp facility is aged and is not useable at low water levels. Few public boat ramps on the lake.

Support in Matching Funds:

$403,100

Project Sponsor:

City Waco

Project:

Cameron Park Boat Ramp Improvements

Matching Funds Requested (75%):

$500,000

Location:

Cameron Park East at the confluence of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers, City of Waco, McClennan County

Discussion:

The City of Waco is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $500,000 for replacement of an existing boat ramp, parking lot, courtesy docks, lighting, access road and signs. The existing boat ramp is aged.

Recommendation:

Fund the project. Existing boat ramp is well used and aged, courtesy dock does not exist and better parking area is needed.

Support in Matching Funds:

$500,000

Project Sponsor:

City of Port Aransas

Project:

Municipal Harbor Ramp Improvements

Matching Funds Requested (75%):

$112,000

Location:

City of Port Aransas Municipal Harbor, Nueces County

Discussion:

The City of Port Aransas is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $112,000 to renovate two lanes of boat ramps, add fish cleaning station, shade structure, security lighting and signs. The facility provides public boating access to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.

Recommendation:

Fund the project. Existing ramps are heavily used; requested repairs will increase launching capacity at this location.

Support in Matching Funds:

$112,000

Project Sponsor:

Village of Surfside Beach

Project:

Village of Surfside Beach Boat Ramp

Matching Funds Requested (75%):

$125,174

Location:

Freeport Ship Channel, Brazoria County

Discussion:

The Village of Surfside Beach is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $125,174 for construction of a new restroom, security lighting, fish cleaning station, and expanded parking area, at a newly constructed boat ramp. The facility will provide public boating access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway via the Freeport Ship Channel.

Recommendation:

Fund the project. Amenities needed for this newly constructed boat ramp.

Support in Matching Funds:

$125,174

Project Sponsor:

City of Aransas Pass

Project:

Harbor Boat Ramp Improvements Renovation

Matching Funds Requested (75%):

$114,525

Location:

Boat Ramp at Conn Brown Harbor on Redfish Bay, San Patricio County

Discussion:

The City of Aransas Pass is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $114,525 to renovate/improve a 2-lane boat ramp, courtesy docks, fish cleaning station, and dredging. The facility provides public boating access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Redfish Bay.

Recommendation:

Hold the project for a future funding cycle. Existing ramps are usable.

Support in Matching Funds:

$0

Project Sponsor:

Somervell County Water District

Project:

Wheeler Branch Reservoir Boat Ramp

Matching Funds Requested (75%):

$495,000

Location:

Somervell

Discussion:

The Somervell County Water District is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $495,000 to construct a new 4-lane boat ramp, courtesy docks, restroom, fish cleaning station, parking area, bulkheads and dredging. The facility will provide access to a newly constructed 169 acre water supply reservoir near the City of Glen Rose.

Recommendation:

Hold the project for a future funding cycle. Questions as to whether a small reservoir will have the boating demand to support the need for a 4-lane boat ramp. Staff will work with sponsor to better understand needs or scale the project accordingly.

Support in Matching Funds:

$0