Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 12
Action
Boat Ramp Funding
November 2003

I. Executive Summary: The Department has recently received four applications for new boat ramp construction requesting $1,737,189 in matching fund assistance. Funding approval is recommended. Also, as part of the Department’s program to return control of boating access facilities to the local jurisdictions, we propose to transfer title of 4.984 acres in Calhoun County from the Department to Calhoun County.

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 four applications for new ramp construction requesting $1,737,189 in matching fund assistance.

Cameron County is requesting a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $490,939 for the construction of a 1-lane boat ramp with a 20-space parking lot to be located in Isla Blanca Park on Laguna Madre.

Comal County is requesting $371,250 in 75 percent matching funds to construct a 2-lane boat ramp and 30-space parking lot. The ramp will replace an existing old ramp at the location. The boat ramp will be located in Village West on the southern portion of Canyon Lake.

The City of Missouri City is requesting $500,000 in 75 percent matching funds to construct a 1-lane boat ramp, entry road and 20-space parking lot. The boat ramp will be located in Buffalo Run Lake Park, north of the City.

The City of Orange is requesting $375,000 in 75 percent matching funds to construct a 3-lane boat ramp and 60-space parking lot. The total cost of the ramp will be almost $1.2 million. The boat ramp will be located on the Sabine River on Pier Road.

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

Land Transfer: As part of the Department’s program to return control of boating access facilities to the local jurisdictions, we propose to transfer title of 4.984 acres in Calhoun County from the Department to Calhoun County. The land was originally acquired from the County in 1967 as part of the requirements to develop a boating access facility. The County would like to further develop this site to enhance boating and fisherman access. With legal control of the site, the County would be eligible to apply for grants to assist this development. This site is known as the Swan Point boat ramp.

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

“Funding for new construction projects in the amount of $1,737,189 is approved for boat ramps to be constructed in Cameron and Comal Counties, and the Cities of Missouri City and Orange.”

“The Executive Director is authorized to transfer title of 4.984 acres in Calhoun County from the Department to Calhoun County for boating access purposes.”

Attachments – 1
1. Exhibit A – Fiscal Note


Commission Agenda Item No. 12
Exhibit A

Item Sponsor: Tim Hogsett
Note Prepared By: Tin Hogsett

Fiscal Note
Boat Ramp Funding
November 2003

Brief Description: Item proposes TPW Commission approval of funding for local matching grants (75 percent) for boat ramps through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (Wallop-Breaux) Program. The Department’s Recreation Grants staff recommends funding for four boat ramp applications received in the amount of $1,737,189.

Estimated Revenue:
  FY04 FY05 FY06 Annual Ongoing
Boating Access $1,737,189      
         
Total $1,737,189      

Explanation: Federal law has allocated 15% of Wallop-Breaux funds to boating access. Funds are available from existing apportionments.

Direct Program/Project Costs:
  FY04 FY05 FY06 Annual Ongoing
Boat Ramps $1,737,189      
         
Total $1,737,189      

Explanation: Federal funds for this program flow through the Game, Fish and Water Safety Account 009. The Department would reimburse local governments for up to 75 percent of total project costs. Total recommended funding for projects submitted is $1,737,189.

Contacts (Name, Phone No.):
State Parks - Recreation Grants Program:
Tim Hogsett - (512) 912-7124
Ramon Riquelme - (512) 912-7124


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