HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2013-02 Requesting Legislative Support for Parks Funding and ProgramsCity of West University Place
Harris County, Texas
RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -02
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE CITY
COUNCIL REQUESTING THE MEMBERS OF THE 83rd 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 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 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 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 sees 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 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 m the Governor of Texas and the leadership of
the 83rd Texas Legislature.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE Cfry OF
WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS:
1. That members of the 83rd Legislature of Texas seek passage of legislation
maximizing the use of revenue from the sporting goods sales tax 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 83rd Legislature of Texas restore funding to the TRPA
and Urban accounts in the amount of at least $15.5 million per year.
PASSED AND APPROVED by me City of west University Place City Council on this
the 14th day of January 2013.
APPROVED:
R � Apy1ENDED k _
City Manager A KV
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney