Request for Legislative Appropriations Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 Legislative Appropriations Request for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 Submitted to the Governor's Office of Budget, Planning and Policy and the Legislative Budget Board by The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department October 9, 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS Administrator's Statement ………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………….………………..page 1 Organizational Charts Certificate of Dual Submission Summaries of Requests Budget Overview ………………..….….………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………….…………..page 1 Summary of Base Request by Strategy ………………..………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….2.A. page 1 Summary of Base Request by Method of Finance ……………………………………...…………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….2.B. page 1 Summary of Base Request by Object of Expense……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….2.C. page 1 Summary of Base Request by Objective Outcomes ……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….2.D. page 1 Summary of Total Request by Strategy ……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….2.F. page 1 Summary of Total Request Objective Outcomes ……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….2.G. page 1 Strategy Requests …………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………3.A. page 1 Program-Level Request …………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………..3.A.1 page 1 Rider Requests Rider Revisions and Additions Request………………………………………………..………………………………………………...…………………………………………….………………………………………3.B. page 1 Capital Budget Schedules Capital Budget Project Schedule ………………………………………………..………………………………………………...…………………………………………….5.A. page 1 Capital Budget Project Information ………………………………………………..………………………………………………...…………………………………………….5.B. page 1 Capital Budget Allocation to Strategies ………………………………………………..………………………………………………...…………………………………………….5.C. page 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Other Supporting Schedules HUB Supporting Schedule …………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….6.A. page 1 One-time Expenditure Schedule…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....6.B. page 1 Federal Funds Supporting Schedule……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….6.C. page 1 Federal Funds Tracking Schedule……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….6.D. page 1 Estimated Revenue Collections Supporting Schedule ……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….6.E. page 1 Homeland Security Funding Schedule ……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….6.G. page 1 Estimated Total of All Agency Funds Outside the GAA Bill Pattern………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….6.H. page 1 Part A Budgetary Impacts Related to Recently Enacted State Legislation Schedule.……………………………….………………………………6.K. page 1 Part B Summary of Costs Related to Recently Enacted State Legislation.……………………………….………………………………………….6.K. page 1 Document Production Standards……………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………6.L. page 1 Administrative and Support Costs Indirect Administrative and Support Costs ……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….7.A. page 1 Direct Administrative and Support Costs ……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………….7.B. page 1 Capital Projects Summary of Requests for Facilities-Related Projects……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8.A. page 1 Administrator's Statement 10/14/2020 9:41:09AM 87th Regular Session, Agency Submission, Version 1 Automated Budget and Evaluation System of Texas (ABEST) 802 Parks and Wildlife Department On behalf of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), I am pleased to present the agency’s Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) for the 2022-23 biennium. In line with policy directives and LAR instructions, this request reflects funding at approved base GR/GRD limits, and expresses TPWD’s priorities for programs we believe are of highest value to Texas’ hunters, anglers, boaters, park goers, landowners, and other outdoor enthusiasts whose support and participation largely finance our work. This funding is necessary to further our mission, which is “to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.” As has been well illustrated and amplified during this time of COVID, this mission is essential to the quality of life, heritage, health, and economic well-being of all Texans. EXCEPTIONS TO THE BASELINE REQUEST LIMITATION: Per the August 2020 policy letter, exceptions applicable to TPWD include amounts needed for bond debt service. For FY2020-021, TPWD was appropriated $710,911 for debt service on outstanding revenue bonds. The Texas Public Finance Authority (TPFA) indicates that all revenue bonds will be fully paid in FY2020, therefore revenue bond debt service is not requested for 2022-23. ** As in past years, debt service on TPWD related GO bonds will be paid directly from TPFA appropriations in 2022-23, and TPWD will reimburse TPFA for the state park related portion using Sporting Goods Sales Tax (SGST) per Article IX, Section 17.08. OPPORTUNITIES/CHALLENGES: Key issues/challenges for TPWD leading into the 87th Legislative Session include: COVID-19 RESPONSE & IMPACTS TPWD, like other state agencies, has experienced significant changes to business and programmatic operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These have included transitions from office to work-from-home environments for some staff, increased reliance on virtual meetings and other electronic means of communication, reduced travel, restricted public access to parks/other facilities, and other steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of TPWD employees, volunteers, and customers. Yet, the pandemic has also highlighted the vital role TPWD plays in this state. As Texans seek safe and affordable venues for relaxation and recreation, the importance of access to outdoor activities has become even more apparent. Many parks are in great demand, and fishing, boating and hunting continue to increase. Additionally, TPWD Law Enforcement and other staff have played a crucial role in pandemic response efforts, helping deliver test kits and samples in remote areas, participating in the state COVID-19 response management planning efforts, and continuing to assist with duties at the State Operations Center. TPWD’s COVID-19 related costs have consisted primarily of amounts for salaries/wages, personal protective equipment, enhanced sanitizing services and supplies, and increased focus on emergency response readiness. To date, the agency has not received any COVID-19-related FEMA reimbursements. While the full impact of the pandemic on TPWD revenue streams remains to be seen, participation in hunting and fishing has remained consistently strong and translated into record license sales for License Year 2020. However, statewide park closures during the spring and limited capacity upon re-opening resulted in declines in park visitation and revenues, which otherwise would have been very strong because of the high demand. Page 1 of 8 Administrator's Statement 10/14/2020 9:41:09AM 87th Regular Session, Agency Submission, Version 1 Automated Budget and Evaluation System of Texas (ABEST) 802 Parks and Wildlife Department SUNSET REVIEW TPWD is currently undergoing the Sunset review process. The Sunset Advisory Commission’s recently released staff report recommends continuation of the Department and identified several areas for improvement, including administration of non-recreational permits, strategic planning, and internal audit. TPWD has begun to address some of these findings and is committed to implementing remaining recommendations and other changes included in the Sunset bill as passed by the 87th Legislature. PROPOSITION 5 Proposition 5, which allows for an automatic appropriation of Sporting Goods Sales Tax (SGST) revenue to TPWD, was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November 2019. This amendment ensures that a predictable and sustained funding stream will be available for state and local parks. For the purpose of this LAR, SGST has been submitted consistent with approved GR/GRD limits and every dollar is directed to state parks operations, local parks grants, state parks capital construction and related benefits/transfers, as outlined in the SGST Informational Rider. STATE PARK DEMAND & FUNDING NEEDS Over the years, the State Parks system has experienced increased pressures due to significantly increased visitation and costs, recurring disasters, and aging/declining facilities. Pre-pandemic demand for parks often saw many sites reaching maximum visitor capacity on a regular basis and having to turn away visitors. Despite declines in park visitation during early stages of the pandemic, and reduced COVID-19 capacity limits, demand for state parks has surged as more Texans seek respite in the outdoors and outdoor activities. This trend is likely to be on-going not only due to uncertainty regarding the severity and duration of the pandemic, but also as the Texas population grows and Texans gain a greater appreciation of and more routinely incorporate outdoor recreation into their activities . As the State Parks system approaches its 100th anniversary in 2023, TPWD hopes to leverage available SGST funding to better meet state park operational demands and ensure appropriate upkeep, safety, and quality visitor experiences. CAPITAL