Posting Language
Title
Set a public hearing to consider a resolution authorizing and directing the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department to act on the City’s behalf to work with the National Parks Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in connection with the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program and to apply for an ORLP grant for up to $4,000,000, to be matched by the City, to partially fund the cost of the John Treviño Jr. Metro Park Vision Plan Phase One Implementation project. (Suggested date and location: March 7, 2024, at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas).
De
Lead Department
Parks and Recreation Department.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
For More Information:
Liana Kallivoka, Assistant Director (512) 974-9455; Steven Linett, Capital Improvement Program Manager (512) 974-9321; Tim Dombeck, Business Process Specialist (512) 974-6716.
Additional Backup Information:
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program is a nationally competitive grant funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. Its purpose is to provide new or significantly improved recreation opportunities in urban, disadvantaged communities. The program provides 50% matching grants (up to $15,000,000) on a reimbursement basis to eligible applicants. The City is requesting a grant award of $4,000,000 to partially fund the John Treviño Jr. Metro Park Vision Plan Phase One Implementation project.
City Council approved the John Treviño Jr. Metro Park at Morrison Ranch Vision Plan on October 15, 2020. The 330 acres of parkland bounded by FM 969 and the Colorado River were purchased by the Parks and Recreation Department (the Department) in 2003, but farming and ranching operations continued on the land until 2016. The Phase One Implementation project will open the park to the public by providing utility services, a safe vehicle access point, parking, picnic areas, a playground, a community walk, a wildflower meadow, and a restroom, as budget allows. The project is currently in the preliminary phase. The City will provide its grant match through 2018 General Obligation Bond Proposition C funding.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) grant application guidelines require the Department to obtain City Council authorization to apply to the ORLP program for up to $3,125,000 in grant funding for the Montopolis Pool Replacement project. The guidelines further require the City to hold a public hearing in compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act, including the opportunity for public comment, prior to submitting the application. At this hearing, the governing body must pass a resolution authorizing and directing the Department Director to act for the City in connection with the ORLP program and to submit an application to TPWD.