HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 16 - Texas Recreation and ParksMEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2014
SUBJECT: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE
TEXAS RECREATION AND PARKS ACCOUNT AND THE TEXAS
STATE PARK SYSTEM
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council to consider approval of a resolution that supports the Texas Recreation and
Parks Account (TRPA) and the Texas State Park System. The resolution is attached for
review.
The Texas Recreation and Parks Account is a grant program for parkland acquisition and
development, and for the development of recreational facilities. The grant program is
administered by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) and funding for the
program comes from a portion of sales tax on certain sporting goods. Funding for the
program was eliminated in the last legislative session and resolutions are being considered
by City Councils and Commissions to restore funding in the program.
The resolution requests members of the 84th Legislature to seek passage of legislation
maximizing the use of revenue from the sporting goods sales tax to restore funding for
parks and recreation programs for both Local and State parks and that all TRPA funded
projects be subject to the established TPWD competitive scoring system.
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board approved the resolution at the November 20, 2014
meeting. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and staff recommend approval.
11/24/2014
RESOLUTION NO. % RECD cJ
AND PA -?,KS
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS, REQUESTING THE MEMBERS OF
THE 84TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION OF THE STATE OF
TEXAS TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION THAT INCREASES
FUNDING FOR THE TEXAS RECREATION & PARKS
ACCOUNT AND LARGE COUNTY AND MUNICIPALITY
RECREATION AND PARKS ACCOUNT LOCAL PARK
GRANT PROGRAMS, AND THE TEXAS STATE PARK
SYSTEM AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department ("TPWD") administers the
Texas Recreation & Parks Account Local Park Grant Program ("TRPA") and the Large
County and Municipality Recreation and Parks Account (Urban Account) and manages
94 State parks and historical sites in Texas; and
WHEREAS, TPWD has separate accounts in their general revenue fund referred
to as the TRPA and Urban Account for the purpose of providing matching grants to
political subdivisions for parks and recreation projects, and for outreach grants to
introduce new populations to outdoor experiences; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, funds granted to political subdivisions under the TRPA and Urban
Account guidelines have funded 1,629 projects of the 3,470 submitted over 30 years
delivering over $800 million to the local Texas economy; and
WHEREAS, 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 their citizenry; and
WHEREAS, the TRPA, Urban Account, and State parks are funded from sales
tax on sporting goods and that the development of new parks stimulates the purchase
of sporting goods; and
WHEREAS, the TRPA, Urban Account, and State parks are partially funded from
federal dollars used for parks, recreation, open space, trails, and tourism from the
United States Department of the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF),
the Sport Fish Restoration Boat Access program and the United States Department of
Transportation Recreation Trails; and
WHEREAS, the maintenance and improvements of State park and historic sites
and the addition of new parks is a priority to Texans due to the State's expanding
population and extensive tourism industry; and
WHEREAS, the development of parks encourages and promotes public health,
economic development, job creation, education, corporate relocations, an improved
quality of life, and juvenile crime prevention; and
WHEREAS, funds are needed for major repairs at Local and State parks and for
the acquisition and development of parks and facilities; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of this City Council that a copy of this resolution with
appropriate names affixed be presented to the Governor of Texas and the leadership of
the 84th Texas Legislature; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites for the adoption of this resolution have been
met, including but not limited to the Local Government Code and the Open Meetings
Act; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby declares that the approval of this resolution
is in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS:
Section 1. That members of the 84th Legislature of Texas seek passage of
legislation maximizing the use of revenues from the sporting goods sales tax and
federal funds to increase funding for parks and recreation programs for both Local and
State parks and that all TRPA and Urban Account funded park projects be subject to the
established TPWD competitive scoring system.
Section 2. That members of the 84th Legislature of Texas restore funding to
the TRPA and Urban accounts in the amount of at least $15.5 million per year.
Section 3. That this resolution shall take effect from and after the date of its
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS on this the 2nd day of December, 2014.
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RES. NO. 2
ATTEST:
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