$2.9 Million in Boat Ramp Grants Approved by TPW Commission

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AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today approved $2,922,255 to fund 13 boat ramp repair and renovation projects around the state. A total of 16 boat ramp grant applications requesting a total of $4,914,244 in matching funds were received.

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. Construction for approved projects is supported on a 75 percent (federal), 25 percent (local).

Based on project review and analyses, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff recommended focusing available funding toward project elements that directly address public boating access improvements. Funding for support facilities such as pavilions and restrooms was not recommended at Wednesday’s meeting. As a result, 13 of 16 submitted projects are recommended for funding though most projects are awarded fewer grant funds than requested. Three projects are not recommended for funding at this time and will be held over for future funding cycles. The projects have been ranked in descending order of priority.

All facilities will be operated and maintained by the local government sponsors.

City of Aransas Pass

The City of Aransas Pass requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $334,500 to improve and expand a two-lane boat ramp by adding another two-lane ramp, expanding the courtesy dock, improving the parking area, constructing a pavilion, and adding new lighting and signing. The facility provides public boating access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Redfish Bay. Funding to support construction of the pavilion was not recommended at this time. The commission approved matching funds in the amount of $267,750.

City of Corpus Christi

The City of Corpus Christi requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $500,000 to renovate/improve a two-lane boat ramp known as Billing’s Boat Ramp, improve an access road, the parking area, utilities, a courtesy dock, bulkhead and signs. The facility provides public boating access to Laguna Madre and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Commission approved $500,000 in matching funds.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

TPWD’s State Parks Division requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $78,750 to improve two one-lane boat ramps, new courtesy docks, dredging and signs. The facility provides public boating access to Fairfield Lake. The Commission approved $78,750 in matching funds.

Brazos River Authority

The Brazos River Authority requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $82,500 for renovation of two boat ramps and bulkheads, new courtesy docks, lighting and signs. The facility provides public boating access to Possum Kingdom Lake. The Commission approved $82,500 in matching funds.

Somervell County Water District

The Somervell County Water District requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $450,000 to construct a new two-lane boat ramp, courtesy docks, restroom, fish cleaning station, parking area, access drive, bulkheads and dredging on newly-constructed Wheeler Branch Reservoir near the City of Glen Rose. Funding to construct a restroom and fish cleaning station at the site was not recommended. The Commission approved $363,750 in matching funds.

City of Austin

The City of Austin requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $157,500 for renovation of a four-lane boat ramp and restroom, parking lot, and construction of an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant walkway. The facility provides public boating access to Lake Walter E. Long. Funding to renovate a restroom at the site was not recommended at this time. The Commission approved $99,000 in matching funds.

City of Abilene

The City of Abilene requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $499,875 for renovation of boat ramps, a new restroom, a wave attenuator, a fish cleaning station, picnic tables, utilities, signs, and to resurface a parking lot. The facility provides public boating access to Lake Fort Phantom Hill. Funding to construct a restroom and fish cleaning station at the site was not recommended at this time. The Commission approved $331,884 in matching funds.

Brazoria County

Brazoria County requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $27,900 to repair three separate boat ramps, along with courtesy docks, bulkheads, and erosion control. The three public ramps are located on the San Bernard River, Chocolate Bayou and Hall’s Bayou. The facilities were damaged during storm surges in the 2008 hurricane season. The Commission approved $27,900 in matching funds.

City of Brady

The City of Brady requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $348,645 for construction of a new restroom and repairs to the marina, boat ramp and courtesy dock. The facility provides public boating access to Lake Brady. Funding to construct a restroom at the site was not recommended at this time, and grant funding for marina facilities is not eligible under federal guidelines. The commission approved $54,600 in matching funds.

City of Cottonwood Shores

The City of Cottonwood Shores requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $180,000 for construction of a new boat ramp, parking area, access road, restroom, courtesy docks, landscaping, lighting and signs. The facility provides public boating access to Lake Marble Falls. Funding to construct a restroom at the site was not recommended at this time. The Commission approved $142,170 in matching funds.

Muenster Water District

The Muenster Water District requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $472,717 for construction of a new two-lane boat ramp, parking lot, access road, restroom, courtesy dock, and signs. Funding to construct a restroom at the site was not recommended at this time. The Commission approved $443,880 in matching funds.

City of Lake Dallas

The City of Lake Dallas requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $500,000 for construction of a new boat ramp, parking lot, access road, a restroom, walkways, lighting and signs. Funding to construct a restroom at the site was not recommended at this time. The Commission approved $258,772 in matching funds.

City of Grapevine

The City of Grapevine requested a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $500,000 for construction of a new two-lane boat ramp, courtesy dock, access drive, restroom and walkways. The facility will provide public boating access to Lake Grapevine. Funding to construct a restroom at the site was not recommended at this time. The Commission approved $271,299 in matching funds.

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