Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 3
Action
Boat Ramp Funding
August 2000

I. Discussion: 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 Account.

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 received 4 applications for new ramp construction requesting $1,297,750.00 in matching fund assistance by the July 31, 1999 deadline. These projects were put on hold in order to fully fund repairs and upgrades at Department boating access facilities. The first phase of these repairs is currently underway. Federal Wallop-Breaux apportionment for boating access projects is $1,807,037.40.

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

"Funding for new construction projects as listed in Exhibit A in the amount of $1,297,750.00 is approved, as described for individual projects in Exhibit B."

Attachments - 3

1. Exhibit A – Project Listing (Available upon request)
2. Exhibit B – Discussion of Individual Project Proposals (Available upon request)
3. Exhibit C - Fiscal Note (Available upon request)


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