Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Action
Boat Ramp Funding
August 2005

I. Executive Summary: The Department has recently received three applications for new boat ramp construction and renovation requesting $861,843 in matching fund assistance. Funding approval of all three projects is recommended.

II. Discussion: Local Boat Ramp Grants: The State Boat Ramp Program was authorized in 1975 by the Sixty-fourth Legislature. The program provides funds for the purchase, construction and maintenance of boat ramps, access roads and related improvements. Program funds may also be used for capital improvements to existing state boat ramp sites. The program receives funding from two sources: (1) The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, also known as the Wallop-Breaux Program, and (2) The State Game, Fish and Water Safety Fund.

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 new ramps is supported on a 75 percent (state) 25 percent (local) basis.

The Department has recently received three applications for new ramp construction requesting $861,843 in matching fund assistance.

City of Heath is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $436,563 for construction of a 2-lane boat ramp, entry road, parking lot, courtesy docks, restroom, bulkheads, retaining wall, lighting, landscaping, walkways, and signs. The facility is located on Lake Ray Hubbard in the City of Heath, Rockwall County.

The Brazos River Authority is requesting $45,375 in 75 percent matching funds to renovate two existing single-lane boat ramps. The facility is located at the South D&D Public Use Area on Possum Kingdom Lake near Graford, Palo Pinto County.

City of Grapevine is requesting $379,905 in 75 percent matching funds for construction of a 1-lane boat ramp, courtesy dock, and restroom, extend an existing ramp, and renovate/expand existing parking area, retaining wall, lighting, landscaping, walkways, and signs. The facility is located on Lake Grapevine in the City of Grapevine, Tarrant County.

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

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

"Funding for new construction/renovation projects in the amount of $861,843 is approved for boating access facilities in Rockwall County, Palo Pinto County, and Tarrant County."