Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Action
Local Park Grant Funding for Projects Identified by Appropriation Rider
November 2007

I. Executive Summary: Appropriated funds approved by the 80th Legislature for Local Park Grants in the amount of $16,685,000 for matching funds to designated projects and sponsors.

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. The Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Appropriation Act approved for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department contains an appropriation rider that reads as follows:

"Local Park Grants. Out of funds appropriated above in Strategy B.2.1, Local Park Grants, the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) shall allocate up to $16,685,000 in matching funds for the following grants."

The list of 18 projects includes: "$400,000 in matching funds for the Weslaco Rio Grande Valley Nature Center," and "$3,750,000 in matching funds for the City of Houston 11th Street Park."

These cities have submitted the required application materials to receive consideration to receive the specified portion of the appropriation. A summary of each project is attached in Exhibit A. These projects are mandated expenditures by the Texas Legislature, and do not require competition with other grants.

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

"Funding for the City of Weslaco in the amount of $400,000 in matching funds; and the City of Houston in the amount of $3,750,000 is approved."

Attachments - 1

  1. Exhibit A – Project Summaries

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Exhibit A

Project Summaries

Project Sponsor:
Weslaco
Project:
Rio Grande Valley Nature Center
Matching Funds Requested:
$ 400,000.00
Discussion:
The City of Weslaco requests support to construct a 7,000-sq. ft. nature center located in the central area of the city. Proposed development includes an exhibit hall, reception/exhibit area, tool room/workshop, offices storage, gift shop, restrooms, large classroom/conference room, small classroom/nature reference library, covered patio, landscaping, interpretive exhibits, energy-efficient/resource conservation technologies, and project signs. The local match consists of city certificates of obligation.
Project Sponsor:
Houston
Project:
11th Street Park
Matching Funds Requested:
$ 3,750,000.00
Discussion:
The City of Houston requests support to acquire 20 acres for the 11th Street Park located in the central northwest area of the city, inside Loop 610. The project includes the purchase of 5 acres, and the acquisition of 15 acres of city-owned non-parkland. The local match consists of the value of the city-owned non-parkland.