HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2013-05 position on the issue of State Park funding and local grants to municipalitiesRESOLUTION NO. -_.D�
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS,
SUPPORTING ANY 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; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN
MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
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 a 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 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
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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 state parks and for the acquisition
and development of parks and facilities, in particular, the San Jacinto Battleground
State Park located in La Porte, Texas; 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 83rd Texas Legislature.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA PORTE, TEXAS:
Section 1. The City Council supports any proposed legislation of the 83rd Legislature
of Texas that maximizes the use of revenue from the sporting goods sales tax to
increase funding for parks and recreation programs for both Local and State parks. The
City Council supports any proposed legislation that requires that all TRPA and Urban
Account funded park projects be subject to the established TPWD competitive scoring
system. The City Council supports any proposed legislation that restores funding to the
TRPA and Urban accounts in the amount of at least $15.5 million per year.
Section 2. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites and declares that a
sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City
Council is posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the City for the
time required by law preceding this meeting, as required by Chapter 551, Texas
Government Code; and that this meeting has been open to the public as required by law
at all times during which this Resolution and the subject matter thereof has been
discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council further ratifies,
approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and posting thereof.
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Section 3. This Resolution shall be effective upon its passage and approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 28th day of January, 2013.
ATTEST:
Aga
Patrice Fogarty
City Secretary
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CITY 0E -L6 PORTE
is
APPROVED:
CI rk IAskins
Assistant City Attorney