HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2015-01 Supporting TRAPS Increased FundingCity of West University Place
Harris County, Texas
RESOLUTION N0. 2015 -01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS OF
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTING THE MEMBERS OF THE 641" 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 poliical
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 subdMisions under the TRPA and Urban Account
guidelines have funded 1,029 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 Ti 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 stles and the
addition of new parks is a priority to Texans due to the Slate's expanding population and
extensive tourism industry; and
WHEREAS, the development of parks encourages and promotes public healM,
economic development, job creation, education; corporate relocations, an improved quality of
life, and juvenile came 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
WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS:
1. That members of the 80 Legislature of Texas seek passage of legislation
maximizing the use of revenues from the spoiling 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 TPW D competitive scoring system.
2. That members of the 84° 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 the City of West University Place, Texas City Council on
this the twelfth day of January 2015.
APPROVED:
RECOMMENDED BY:
Michael Robs, City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Alan Pelmv, City Attorney