Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 8
Action
Indoor Recreation Program Grant Funding
January 2006

I. Executive Summary: Indoor Recreation Grants are made from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of indoor recreation facilities. As of July 31, 2005 TPWD received five eligible indoor applications requesting $2,087,815 in matching fund assistance. The Legislature specifically reduced the appropriation for indoor grants to $835,126 for the 2006-2007 biennium. Staff is recommending support of one project for this fiscal year in the amount of $417,563.

II. Discussion: The Texas Recreation and Parks Account Program (TRPA) is a dedication of a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods, effective September 1, 1993. This program provides matching fund assistance to local governments for outdoor and indoor recreation.

TRPA funds available for indoor projects include $835,126 specifically appropriated by the legislature for the 2006-2007 biennium. In order to make indoor grant funding available for both years of the biennium, $417,563 (half of the appropriated amount) will be made available each year.

This review includes applications from five sponsors requesting $2,087,815 in matching funds for all eligible applications submitted by July 31, 2005. Projects have been analyzed by staff and are 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 one project listed in Exhibit A in the amount of $417,563.00 is approved."