Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Action
Outdoor Recreation Program Grant Funding
January 2006

I. Executive Summary: Outdoor Recreation Grants are made available from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account and the Land and Water Conservation Fund to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of outdoor recreation sites. As of July 31, 2005 TPWD received 22 eligible applications requesting $8,772,302 in matching fund assistance. Staff is recommending support of six projects for $2,032,323.

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.

Funds available include $2,032,323 from Fiscal Year 2006 TRPA revenue and previous LWCF appropriations. This review includes applications from 22 sponsors requesting $8,772,302 in matching funds for all applications submitted by July 31, 2005. Based on site visits and analyses, the projects have been ranked in descending order of priority. Exhibit A contains the priority listing with funds requested by the sponsors and funds recommended by staff.

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

"Funding for projects listed in Exhibit A in the amount of $2,032,323 is approved."