TPW Commission Approves $2 Million for Boat Ramp Construction

AUSTIN, Texas – Six boat ramp construction grants totaling $2,104,024 were approved Nov. 3 by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. The grant program provides funds for the purchase, construction and maintenance of boat ramps, access roads and related improvements. Funds may also be used for capital improvements to existing state boat ramp sites. The grant program is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is funded by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act and the State Game, Fish and Water Safety Fund. Aransas County Navigation District 1 received a 75 percent matching share grant in the amount of $187,202 for renovation of a parking lot and loading ramp, a pollution prevention plan, and construction of a mooring pier, fish cleaning station, and signs. The facility is located at Cove Harbor South on Aransas Bay in Rockport. The Brazos River Authority received $103,125 in 75 percent matching funds to renovate an existing single-lane boat ramp and parking area, and construct a courtesy dock, restroom and signs. The facility is located at the North D & D Public Use Area on Possum Kingdom Lake near Graford. Hidalgo County received $500,000 in 75 percent matching funds to renovate an existing boat ramp, dock, fish cleaning station, and lighting. The facility is located at the Anzalduas Dam on the Rio Grande River adjacent to the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge near Mission. The Lubbock County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 received $500,000 in 75 percent matching funds to construct a new 3-lane boat ramp and restroom, and renovate three existing restrooms at various locations on the lake. The facility is located on Buffalo Springs Lake near Lubbock. The Mackenzie Municipal Water Authority received $33,697 in 75 percent matching funds to construct a courtesy dock, pier, and signs at two existing boat ramps. The facility is located on Lake Mackenzie between Tulia and Silverton. Sheldon Lake State Park received $780,000 in 75 percent matching funds to construct a two-lane boat ramp, dock, dredging, roads and parking. These facilities will be located at Sheldon Lake Environmental Learning Center in Harris County. All facilities except the Sheldon Lake project will be operated and maintained by the local government sponsors. For more information about TPWD grant programs, visit the Web (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/grants/).