AUSTIN— During Thursday’s meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $5.14 million dollars in grants funding 15 construction projects and one educational development across the state.
The National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF) supports recreational trail construction, renovation and acquisition. The grants are funded from a portion of the federal gas tax generated by gasoline purchases for off-highway vehicles. Thirty percent of the total NRTF grants must be earmarked for motorized recreational trails, while another 30 percent must be spent on non-motorized trail projects. The remaining 40 percent is discretionary.
The Texas Legislature has added an additional $1,000,000 per year to the program (pending passage of the state budget), which includes an additional $1,000,000 for this year from Sporting Goods Sales Tax funds. Additionally, several projects funded in previous years were completed under budget and five projects were cancelled, creating another $700,000 available for re-allocation this year.
Projects awarded funding are listed in alphabetical order by county below:
The Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area in Bandera County received a $300,000 grant for the construction of six miles of natural surface recreational trails at the new state natural area.
The city of Schertz in Comal County received a $300,000 grant for the Dry Comal Creek Park and Trailhead project. The project includes construction of .78-mile natural surface trail, .22-mile boardwalk, bridges, trailhead, signage and benches.
In Crockett County, the Texas Motorized Trails Coalition (TMTC) received a $365,600 grant for the TMTC Escondido Draw Recreation Area 2023 projects. The project includes an off-highway vehicle training area, wildlife water distribution and viewing areas, safety and rescue equipment, and an extension of electrical utilities, signage and fencing. Construction of new trails pending acquisition.
Audubon Texas in Dallas County received a $59,301 grant for the Trail to Damsel Fly Pond project. The project includes construction of 150-foot composite boardwalk with an observation deck and bench.
In Harris County, TMTC received a $2 million dollar grant for the TMTC Rio Bravo 2023-acquisition project which includes the acquisition of Rio Bravo Motocross Park.
The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) in Harris County received a $265,884 grant for the UHCL Nature Trail Network project. The project includes construction of 1.9 miles of stabilized granite surface multi-use trails and renovation of .53-mile of trails including bridges, signage, bike rack, trash receptacles and seating.
Great Springs Project in Hays County received a $300,000 grant for the San Marcos Outer Loop Trail-La Cima Segment project. The project includes construction of a 1.75-mile multi-use natural surface trail, trail corridor easement trailhead kiosk, benches, signage, bike racks and picnic tables.
The North American Butterfly Association in Hidalgo County received a $292,810 grant for the Pixie Preserve Wilderness Recreation Trail project. This project includes construction and renovation of 5.5-miles of trails, including 3.5-miles of natural surface trail and 2-miles of decomposed granite-surfaced trails with bridges, benches, signs and trailheads.
The city of Jefferson in Marion County received a $75,000 grant for the Jefferson Recreational Trails Rehabilitation project. The project includes renovation of 1.2-miles of recreational trail with boardwalk repairs and signage.
In Montgomery County, the Sam Houston Trails Coalition, Inc. received a $300,000 grant for the Richards-Raven Equestrian Trail- Phase V project. The project includes construction of a trailhead, three bridges and one creek crossing to serve a 35-mile trail system.
In Polk County, the city of Onalaska received a $119,828 grant for the Caney Creek Park Trail project. The project includes construction of .6-mile concrete surface trail over an existing trail corridor with culverts and benches.
The Eaton Hill Nature Center and Preserve in Sutton County received a $18,028 grant for the Eaton Hill Trail Signage and Amenities Improvements project. The project includes fabrication and installation of new signage, repairs to trailside exhibits and picnic tables.
Bike Texas in Travis County has received a $75,000 grant for the educational project named 2024 Texas Trails and Active Transportation (TTAT) Conference. The funding will support the educational TTAT conference, which will focus on the creation and maintenance of trails in Texas.
In Tyler County, the Texas A&M Forest Service received a $79,147 grant for the Dogwood Trail Rehabilitation project. The project includes renovation of .8-mile of natural surface trail, foot bridges, parking improvements and a kiosk.
The city of Del Rio in Val Verde County received a $300,000 grant for the San Felipe Creek Trail project. The project includes construction of .5-mile multi-use granite gravel trail, ADA crossings with ramps, signage and crosswalk striping.
The Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District in Williamson County received a $293,616 grant for the Community Greenbelt Trail Expansion and Rehabilitation project. The project includes renovation of .4-mile of crushed granite trail, as well as construction of a new .85-miles of crushed granite trail, 350 feet of concrete trail, signage, kiosks, benches and ADA parking.
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