Title
Approving a resolution for Council requesting the members of the 82nd legislative session of the State of Texas to support legislation that increases funding for the Texas Recreation and Parks account local park grant program and the Texas State Park System.
Summary
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (“TPWD”) administers the Texas Recreation & Parks Account Local Park Grant Program (“TRPA”) and manages 93 State parks and historical sites in Texas. TPWD has a separate account in their general revenue fund referred to as the "TRPA for the purpose of providing matching grants to political subdivisions for parks and recreation projects." The matching grants provided by the TPWD are utilized for the planning, acquisition, and development of local park, recreation and open space areas to be owned and maintained by political subdivisions. The funds granted to political subdivisions under the TRPA guidelines have funded 1,495 projects of the 2,913 submitted over 29 years delivering over $792 million dollars to local Texas economy. The political subdivisions throughout the State of Texas depend on grants from TPWD through the TRPA to stimulate the acquisition and development of parks and recreational areas for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizenry. The TRPA and State parks are funded from sales tax on sporting goods and that the development of new parks stimulates the purchase of sporting goods. The City of Pflugerville has been the recipient of two TPWD grants. One grant was for $500,000 in matching funds for the construction of Heritage Park, the Green Red Barn, and Mentzer Pool. The second matching funds grant of $500,000 helped to fund the construction of Gilleland Park and pool.
Deadline for City Council Action
There is no deadline for action.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with the item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the resolution.
Drafter
Amy Atkins, Interim Parks and Recreation Director