Presenter: Tim Hogsett
Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Action
Local Park Grant Funding for Projects Listed in the 2007 General Appropriations Act, TPWD Rider 34
November 6, 2008
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:
$1,000,000 in matching funds for Townwood Park construction (Houston)
$ 600,000 in matching funds for Sylvester Turner Park construction (Houston)
$2,000,000 in matching funds for construction of the McAllen City Parks-2 locations (McAllen)
These entities 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 special appropriations rider projects as listed in Exhibit A are approved."
Attachments - 1
- Exhibit A - Project Summaries
Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Exhibit A
Proposal Summaries
| Sponsor | Location | Project Name | Requested Funding | Proposed Elements | Match Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Houston | Houston, Harris County | Townwood Park | $1,000,000 | The City of Houston will further develop 28 acre Townwood Park to include a zero-entry swimming pool with lap lanes, spray features, pavilion/shade shelter, benches and deck furniture, and tennis court renovation, trail, landscaping, drainage, walkways, lighting, and fencing. | City bond funds |
| City of Houston | Houston, Harris County | Sylvester Turner Park | $600,000 | The City of Houston will further develop 25 acre Sylvester Turner Park to include baseball fields, pavilions, trail, playground, wetlands boardwalk, outdoor classroom and parking. Sylvester Turner Park has been previously assisted through the Texas Recreation and Parks Account program. | City bond funds |
| City of McAllen | McAllen, Hidalgo County | Glassroom Environmental Center at Quinta Mazatlan | $375,000.00 | The City of McAllen will develop a 4,000 SF Glassroom Environmental Center at Quinta Mazatlan Nature Center Park, located in the southeast area of the city. The proposal includes an environmental education classroom, outdoor experiments space, outdoor classroom, ante-room, restrooms, storage and offices. The Quinta Mazatlan Nature Center has been previously assisted through the Texas Recreation and Parks Account Regional Grant program. | EDC 4-B funds and private cash donations |
| City of McAllen | McAllen, Hidalgo County | Firemen's Park | $1,625,000 | The City of McAllen will develop 9.6 acre Firemen's Park to include lake improvements with aerators, canoe docks, playground, pavilion/ kitchen/restroom/concession building renovation, restroom/showers, concession building, trail with bridges, fishing piers, gazebo, benches, campsites with picnic tables, sand volleyball court, beach, boat staging area, outreach center, utilities, landscaping, irrigation, roads, parking and fencing. | The value of the city-owned non-parkland and city funds. |