Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 11
Action
Local Park Funding
April 2001

I. Discussion: Local Park Grants: 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.

Rider #18 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Appropriation Act for fiscal years 2000-2001 mandates funding for two World Birding Center satellite sites in the amount of $500,000 each. The city of Edinburg has been selected as one of those two sites.

Edinburg has submitted an application requesting $500,000 in matching funds for the construction of a 7,000 square foot interpretive center to be located in Edinburg Municipal Park. Proposed development includes an exhibit area, multi-purpose room, meeting room, viewing decks, offices, restroom, vending area, gift shop kiosk, storage rooms, utilities, roads, parking and landscaping. Their local match consists of city appropriations.

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

“Funding for the development of the Edinburg World Birding Center satellite facility in the amount of $500,000 is approved from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account.”

Attachment - 1
1. Exhibit A - Fiscal Note (available upon request)