Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 2
Action
Boat Ramp Funding
April 2003

I. Discussion: Local Park 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 2 applications for new ramp construction requesting $669,739 in matching fund assistance.

Aransas County is requesting a 75% matching share grant in the amount of $263,465 for the construction of a 2-lane boat ramp with a 35-space parking lot to be located on Lamar Beach Road on St. Charles Bay.

Jefferson County is requesting $406,284 in 75% matching funds to construct a 2-lane boat ramp, entry road and 60-space parking lot. The boat ramp will be located on the north side of the Keith Lake Cut adjacent to S.H. 87.

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

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

"Funding for new construction projects in the amount of $669,739 is approved for boat ramps to be constructed in Aransas and Jefferson Counties."

Exhibit A - Fiscal Note (Available Upon Request)


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