Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Stacey Dicke, Parks and Recreation Director
Contact Info
(830) 221-4350 - sdicke@nbtexas.org
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SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of a resolution for the submission of an application to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Recreational Trail Grant Program for the provision of funding for the Alligator Creek, and authorization for the City Manager to accept funds and to execute all contract documents associated with the grant, if awarded.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The New Braunfels City Council strategic priorities include using a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs. If approved by Council, staff will submit a grant application on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department (“PARD”) to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Recreational Trail Grant Program to provide funding for the hike and bike trail extensions within the Alligator Creek Watershed.
The requested grant funding for Alligator Creek Trail supports the recently approved 2020 Hike and Bike Trail (HBT) Plan. Alligator Creek Trail is identified as an opportunity area in the HBT Plan. The Plan proposes 10-foot concrete multi-use trails that will connect to existing developer installed hike and bike trail, Goodwin Lane multi-use paths, through 46-acres of natural area, and connect to FM 306 and eventually toward central New Braunfels. Although these trails have not been designed yet, staff is working on a proposal for an Alligator Creek Trail Master Plan that will be presented for City Council consideration in February.
This Alligator Creek Trail segment is supported by staff of the Great Springs Project, a proposed trail corridor connecting four of Texas Great Springs: Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs and San Antonio Springs. Great Springs Project staff has volunteered to assist with submission of the grant application.
The Recreational Trail Grant Program is an 80/20 matching grant for up to $250,000. Staff will request a total grant award amount of $250,000; matching funds will be supported by the value of a private land dedication along Alligator Creek. The grant submission deadline is February 1, 2021.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
X |
Yes |
Strategic Priorities |
Use a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff will request a total grant award amount of $250,000; matching funds will be supported by the value of 46 acres of private land to be dedicated to the City.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to support this resolution at their meeting on January 19, 2021.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a resolution for the submission of an application to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Recreational Trail Grant Program for the provision of funding for hike and bike trail extensions within the Alligator Creek watershed, and authorization for the City Manager to accept funds and to execute all contract documents associated with the grant, if awarded.