R-2006-21 support increased funding for Texas Recreation and Parks

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MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: DEBRA B. FEAZELLE, CITY MANAGER SEPTEMBER 11, 2006 CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING INCREASED FUNDING FOR THE TEXAS RECREATION AND PARKS ACCOUNT AND THE STATE PARK SYSTEM MEETING DATE: SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION: City Council to consider approval of a resolution that supports increased funding for the Texas Recreation and Parks Account and the State Park System. The resolution is attached for review. BACKGROUND: Also, funding for the Texas Recreation and Parks Account (TRPA) has decreased the past two sessions. The TRPA is a grant program for parkland acquisition and development and for the development of recreational facilities that is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The annual funding in the TRPA prior to the 78th Legislature was $15.5 million. The TRPA was reduced to $8.1 million annually during the 78th Legislature and to $5 million by the 79th Legislature. Appropriations for the maintenance and operation of the State Parks and historical sites in Texas has been reduced over the past two Legislative Sessions resulting in park closures, reduced hours and days of operation as well as layoffs of staff. This has come at a time when the population of the state is expanding and the need for open space is greater that it has ever been. The attached resolution requests members of the 80th Legislature support increased funding for the TRPA, at least to the level the grant program was at prior to the 78th Legislative Session. The resolution also requests members of the 80th Legislature support increased funding for the State Park System. The City of La Porte has received several park development grants from TPWD in the past, and do anticipate submitting grants for bicycle/pedestrian trails and park development in the future. In fact, the development of Little Cedar Bayou, Fairmont Park, Pfeiffer Park, and the Nature Trail were all partially funded with matching grants from TPWD. Staff will be looking at grant opportunities to assist with the development of new parkland and trails for La Porte. September 6,2006 (10:38AM)