Presenters: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Action
Local Park Grant Funding for Projects Listed in the General Appropriations Act, TPWD Rider 34 (80th Texas Legislature, 2007)
May 28, 2009

I. Executive Summary: Appropriated funds approved by the 80th Legislature for Local Park Grants included funds 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:

These entities have submitted the required application materials to receive consideration to receive the specified portion of the appropriation. A summary of the projects is attached in Exhibit A. These projects are a mandated expenditure 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 special appropriations rider projects as listed in Exhibit A is approved."

Attachment - 1

  1. Exhibit A - Project Summary

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Exhibit A

Project Summaries

Sponsor
City of Lancaster
Location
Lancaster, Dallas County
Project Name
Community Park II
Requested Funding
$200,000.00
Proposed Elements
The City of Lancaster will further develop 150 acre Community Park located on N. Dallas Avenue at Veterans Memorial Parkway in the central area of the city.
Project elements include expansion to amphitheater, walking trail with exercise equipment and benches, signs and landscaping.
Match Source
City funds

Sponsor
Airline Improvement District
Location
Harris County
Project Name
Raymac Park
Requested Funding
$200,000.00
Proposed Elements
The Airline Improvement District will develop 9.9-acre Raymac Park located at 222 Raymac, in Houston. Project elements include a picnic pavilion, soccer field, playground, jogging trail, picnic table, fencing, landscaping and signs.
Match Source
Improvement District land