The funding grants are provided through the State Boating Access Program and authorized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The program provides funds for the construction and maintenance of public boat ramps, access roads and related improvements. Program funds may also be used for capital improvements to existing state boat ramp sites.
The boating access construction projects are planned for the following lakes:
- Lake Ray Hubbard — The City of Heath has been awarded a cost share grant for $436,563 to construct a two-lane boat ramp, entry road, parking lot, courtesy docks, restroom, bulkheads, retaining wall, lighting, landscaping, walkways, and signs.
- Possum Kingdom Reservoir — The Brazos River Authority received $45,375 in matching funds to renovate two existing single-lane boat ramps. The facility is located at the South D&D Public Use Area on Possum Kingdom Reservoir near Graford.
- Lake Grapevine — The City of Grapevine has been awarded $379,905 in matching funds for construction of a one-lane boat ramp, courtesy dock, and restroom, extend an existing ramp, and renovate/expand existing parking area, retaining wall, lighting, landscaping, walkways, and signs.
All facilities will be operated and maintained by the local government sponsors.
The boating access grant program is funded by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program. The revenue comes from the federal gasoline taxes generated by recreational boaters every time they purchase gas for their boats. The program reimburses sponsors 75 percent of the cost for approved projects.
