Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution supporting the application to National Park Service (NPS) for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State Assistance + Readiness and Recreation Initiative-FY24 for Westside Regional Park Phase One, in the cost estimated amount of $8,300,000.
Body
DATE: June 18, 2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Jarrod Provost, Interim Executive Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Adopt a resolution in support of the application to NPS for Westside Regional Park Phase One
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On January 30, 2024, the National Park Service’s (NPS) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, announced the release of the Fiscal Year 2024 Readiness and Recreation Initiative Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Through the FY 2024 Readiness and Recreation Initiative, the National Park Service will provide grant funding from unobligated LWCF balances as a potential match for REPI Program funding to support projects that will provide outdoor recreation opportunities to military families and the public while also promoting military readiness and resilience. This is accomplished through the acquisition of lands and waters for parks and other outdoor recreation areas, as well as through the development of new, or the renovation of existing, outdoor recreation facilities. The program is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
The DOD REPI Program protects the Nation’s military readiness, enhances relationships with communities, preserves the environment, and improves military installation and community resilience to climate change. Under 10 U.S.C. 2684a, the REPI program funds cost-sharing partnerships for the military with state and local governments and private conservation organizations. These partnerships obtain easements or other interests in land from willing sellers or promote natural resource management and military installation resilience to preserve critical areas, resources, and natural infrastructure near military installations.
The Readiness and Recreation Initiative will seek to fund projects that will acquire and enhance lands for public outdoor recreation that are also within the geographic scope of an agreement between a state, local government, or conservation-focused non-governmental entity and a military department pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2684a. Projects must meet the dual purpose of 1) providing outdoor recreation opportunities, and 2) promoting or supporting compatible land uses and avoiding incompatible development in areas in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a military installation or military airspace, and/or to maintain or enhance the climate resilience of one or more military installations. The projects will serve the general public and military families.
The LWCF Act (54 U.S.C. 200305(c)) generally requires that grant projects be cost-shared with non-federal (i.e., state, local, non-governmental, or private) funds at a minimum ratio 1:1. The estimated cost for these projects is $8,300,000, therefore, City of Killeen would provide $4,150,000. The City of Killeen would be responsible for all non-reimbursable costs and 100% of overruns, if any. The items eligible for funding are land acquisition, planning cost, outdoor recreation amenities, trails, and facilities such as restrooms and changing areas.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This conforms to City of Killeen Code of Ordinances, Sec.26-128, B, 1a.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
This is a 50/50 matching grant. The estimated cost for this project is $8,300,000, therefore, City of Killeen would be responsible for $4,150,000 and all non-reimbursable costs and 100% of overruns, if any. The grant performance period is 3 years and funding would be available with an estimated start date in FY25 and run through FY28. There is a possibility our local military installation may provide funds for the City’s portion of the match and that amount is to be determined.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
One-time expenditure
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes, $4,150,000 is available in the 2023 Certificates of Obligation Fund for Park Development in account 327-8930-493.69-03, Project code#230026.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council approve the resolution for funding through National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance + Readiness and Recreation Initiative - FY24 application for Westside Regional Park Phase One and authorize the City Manager or designee to sign any further required documentation to complete this application.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Grant Application
Site Plan
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program
Presentation