Regional Highlights - Central Texas Issues

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Increased State Park Funding Brings Positive Changes (All regions)

The 80th Texas Legislature passed House Bills 1 and 12 that provide $25.6 million for park operations and the hiring of park staff during the 2008-09 biennium. Lawmakers also appropriated roughly $52 million in bonding authority to fund major state park repairs, sending the measure to voters for approval as required by law. On Nov. 6, voters approved that constitutional measure, Proposition 4, which allocates $25 million to dry-berth the Battleship Texas to ensure its long-term preservation and another $27 million for major infrastructure repairs throughout the eight state park regions.

Increased State Park Funding Brings Positive Changes in Central Texas (Region C)

Bastrop State Park (SP)

$3.67 million in Prop 4 funds to make major repairs to several historic CCC-constructed buildings, including the group barracks, the swimming pool bath house, and golf shop foundation and roof.

Blanco SP, Colorado Bend SP, Hill Country State Natural Area (SNA), Lost Maples SNA and South Llano River SP

Will be hiring interpretive rangers to enhance programming and the visitor experience.

Buescher SP

$861,372 in Prop 4 funds to correct foundation problems threatening the walls and roof of the Recreation Hall built by the CCC during the Great Depression years.

Barrington Living History Farm

Hiring two living history interpreters to allow the farm in Washington, Texas to be open seven days a week starting Dec. 1, 2007.

Garner SP

$1.55 million in Prop 4 monies will go to renovate 17 cabins built in the 1930s by the CCC; to repair roof problems, broken doors and pealing paint on 22 screened shelters; and fix up and enclose old group shelters. The park will hire a new park ranger and peace officer, and replace three old restrooms.

Guadalupe River SP/Honey Creek SNA

Interpretive programs have been expanded and more are planned in 2008 thanks to the hiring of a resource specialist/interpreter/volunteer coordinator.

Inks Lake SP

$450,285 in Prop 4 funds to repair and replace deteriorated electrical service and water lines at 65 campsites. Two restrooms are being replaced. A new, interpretive ranger and peace officer will be hired to expand programs and provide greater security.

Lake Whitney SP

$480,858 in Prop 4 funds to renovate a restroom, reception hall and screened shelters to provide access to people with disabilities.

Lockhart SP

The swimming pool will be in full operation for the first time in two summers.

Lost Maples SNA

$257,802 in Prop 4 monies to repair and replace old water lines at the park campsites. A combination peace officer/resource specialist position is being funded.

Lake Somerville SP and Trailway/Nails Creek Unit

Additional staffing will allow the park to reopen the unit to camping and trail use.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (SHS)

An additional park interpreter will split time between this site and nearby Fanthorp SHS implementing new interpretive programming.

Kerr Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Conference Center Project Underway (Region C)

The design of a new Conference Center at Kerr WMA was completed in December 2007. The 4,300 square foot building will accommodate 100 people and contain a classroom, lobby, restrooms and a kitchen. The $1.4 million project, which will be largely donor funded, is scheduled to be completed in March of 2009.

Conservation Careers Await at Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (All regions)

If you love the outdoors and are looking for a job where you can make a difference in conserving Texas' natural and cultural resources, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department may have just the job you're looking for. Entering 2008, TPWD had 50 job postings and was expecting to post even more during coming weeks. The majority of those job openings are within the State Parks Division, which is looking to fill job slots in Austin, its field offices and in many of the 93 state parks. Recent retirements of park employees and additional appropriations from the Texas Legislature last year to increase staffing in state parks by more than 200 employees are driving the demand. At present, the State Parks Division has approximately 100 job openings, many of them ranger positions. Other employment opportunities exist, as well, in wildlife, fisheries and other TPWD divisions, according to Al Bingham, director of the Human Resources Division. (More info.)

New Texas Game Warden Training Facility Project Fundraising Underway (All regions)

Funds raised to date for the new Texas Game Warden Training Center have reached $4.7 million. All told, more than 39,000 square feet of instructional, administrative and living space is planned for the property in Hamilton County that was donated by the Police Activities League. All buildings and facilities at the Texas Game Warden Training Center will meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification standards. In addition to the development of new facilities, the Center will require: road construction, water, telecommunications, electrical improvements and expansion; upgrades to existing facilities; security fencing and walkways; and other infrastructure enhancements. LEED standards promote design and construction practices that increase profitability and efficiency, while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being such as: maximized natural day lighting, solar shading and ventilation of buildings; use of salvaged building materials, Forest Stewardship Council certified lumber; regionally-sourced and manufactured building materials; solar heated water, ultra low-flow water and energy-using fixtures, and on-site wastewater treatment; Photovoltaic electrical generation for lighting and water pumps and wind power. TPWD executed a contract with a design consultant in October 2007. Total cost for the project is expected to be about $15 million and fundraising is a partnership effort involving the TPWD, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the Texas Game Warden Association.