Three Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant applications have just opened. The following information is from Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Recreation Grants E- Newsletter. To learn more or to sign up for the newsletter to get the information directly, click here.
“The Boating Access Grant Program provides funding for the phase I – Planning Grant – with a maximum of $250,000 for the cost associated with the planning of boating projects. All funding is based on the availability of funds at time of award. The reimbursement grants can be up to 75% of project cost. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the State of Texas legally responsible for providing public recreation services to their citizens. This includes cities, counties, river authorities, municipal utility districts, and other special districts.
Applications are submitted to TPWD as a phase I – Planning Grant and are to fund the professional services associated with the planning phase necessary to begin a construction project using federal funds. Eligible projects costs include plans/specifications, environmental/cultural permits, COE permits, and other professional fees associated with the planning of the proposed eligible construction project. Applicants who successfully complete the planning grant will be given priority for a future Construction Grant dependent on available funding.
All planning costs must be based on boating facility elements eligible for grant funding which may include motorized and non-motorized ramps and launches, courtesy docks, restrooms, parking areas, sidewalks directly from a parking area to a launch or dock, access roads, breakwaters, shoreline stabilization, fish cleaning stations, pavilions, and picnic sites. TPWD administers the Boating Access Program that is funded in Texas under the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This federally funded program receives its funding from a portion of the federal gasoline taxes generated when recreational boaters purchase gas for boats.
Application opened on November 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST. Additional information can be found here.”
“The Target Range Program provides funding for the phase I – Planning Grant – with a maximum of $250,000 for the cost associated with the planning of the target range projects The reimbursable grants can be up to 90% of eligible project cost.
Applications are submitted to TPWD as a phase I – Planning Grant and are to fund the professional services associated with the planning phase necessary to begin a construction project using federal funds. Eligible projects costs include plans/specifications, environmental/cultural permits, and other professional fees associated with the planning of the proposed eligible construction project. Applicants who successfully complete the planning grant will be given priority for a future Construction Grant dependent on available funding.
All planning costs must be based on target range elements eligible for grant funding which may include indoor/outdoor public target and/or archery ranges, fencing, gates, equipment, restrooms, parking areas, and ADA accessibility features. TPWD administers the Target Range Program that is funded in Texas under the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This federally funded program receives its funding from a portion of the excise taxes generated with the purchase of specific hunting and shooting equipment.
Applications opened on November 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST. Additional information can be found here.”
“The Recreational Trails Program provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. The reimbursable grants can be up to 80% of project cost with a maximum award of $300,000 for non-motorized trail grants and a maximum award of $500,000 for motorized (off-highway vehicle) trail grants. Eligible projects include the construction of new recreational trails, improvement of existing trails, development of trailheads or trailside facilities, and to acquire trail corridors. TPWD administers the National Recreational Trails Fund in Texas. Texas receives federal funds for this program from the Federal Highway Administration from a portion of federal gas taxes paid on fuel used in non-highway recreational vehicles. Additional funds for this grant program are made available from the Texas Sporting Goods Sales Tax.
Applications opened on November 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST. Be sure to check the Recreation Grants Online Resources page for the latest Recreational Trails Program Application Instructions, Program Guidance, and other resources. A new application element this year is a requirement for an Authorizing Resolution from the applicant’s governing body.“
