Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 12
Action
Urban Indoor Recreation Grant Funding
August 27, 2009

I. Executive Summary: Urban Indoor Recreation Grants are made available to Texas local governments that exceed 500,000 in population for the acquisition and/or development of outdoor recreation sites. The 80th Legislature, Regular Session, created the Large County and Municipality Recreation and Parks Account (Urban Parks Account) by amending Chapter 24 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, adding sections 24.051 through 24.062. As of January 31, 2009, TPWD received one eligible application requesting $1,000,000 in matching fund assistance. Staff is recommending support of this project in the amount of $1,000,000.

II. Discussion: : 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.

The 80th Legislature, Regular Session, created the Large County and Municipality Recreation and Parks Account (Urban Parks Account) by amending Chapter 24 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, adding sections 24.051 through 24.062. Large counties and municipalities are defined as city and county governments having populations of 500,000 or more as of the last federal census. Eligible participants include:

Funds available include $1,000,000 from Fiscal Year 2009 Urban Park Account revenue. This review includes one application from one eligible sponsor requesting $1,000,000 in matching funds for all applications submitted by January 31, 2009. Based on a site visit and analyses, the project was reviewed and is recommended for funding. Exhibit A contains the priority listing with funds requested by the sponsor 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 $1,000,000.00 is approved."

Attachments - 1

  1. Exhibit A - Priority Listing

Commission Agenda Item No. 12
Exhibit A

Urban Indoor Recreation Grant Program Priority Listing
August 27, 2009
(Descending Order of Priority)
(*Resubmitted Project)

# Sponsor Authority Project Name Total Project Total Grant Grant Request Recommended
1 San Antonio Max & Minnie Voelcker Park II Ecology Center $2,635,250 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000