03-02-15-Resolution-Supporting Increase Funding for Texas Recreation and Parks-03/02/2015Resolution #R03-02- I a
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANGER,TEXAS CITY COUNCIL
REQUESTING THE MEMBERS OF THE 841" 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
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 1629 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 acquison 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SANGER, TEXAS:
1. That members of the 84t" 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.
2. That members of the 84t" Legislature of Texas restore funding to the TRPA
and Urban accounts in the amount of at least $15.5 million per year.
PASSED Af D APPROVED by the City of
this the .k day of /V'Ia001 C G#
ATTEST:
Tami Taber, City Secretary
San er City Council on
2015
Thomas Muir, Mayor