15-10 - R TOWN OF PROSPER, TEXAS RESOLUTION NO. 15-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF PROSPER,
TEXAS, REQUESTING THAT MEMBERS OF THE 84th LEGISLATIVE
SESSION OF THE STATE OF TEXAS 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; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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 its 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 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 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 the Town Council that a copy of this resolution with
appropriate names affixed thereto be presented to the Governor of Texas and the leadership of
the 84th Texas Legislature.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
PROSPER, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1
All of the above premises are found to be true and correct and are incorporated into the
body of this Resolution as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2
The Town hereby resolves that members of the 84th 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. The Town hereby further resolves that the members of the 84th
Legislature of Texas restore funding to the TRPA and Urban accounts in the amount of at least
$15.5 million per year.
SECTION 3
This Resolution is effective immediately upon its passage.
DULY PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
PROSPER, TEXAS, THIS 10TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2015.
Ray Smith, M#yor
ATTEST:
J
Robyn Bat e, Town 9-6-6retary
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Terrence S. Welch, Town Attorney
Resolution No.15-10,Page 2