Support for parks results in business opportunities

These funds also open a goldmine of opportunities for government contractors – the state will be procuring everything from minor renovations and repairs to a $1 million repair of wastewater treatment and electric systems damaged two years ago during Hurricane Rita. Other opportunities include equipment purchases and ongoing service contracts.

Parks in every region of the state will have vendor opportunities as the state seeks to bring its parks and recreation areas back to previous standards. Some of the approved projects are already under way and others will likely be put out for bid soon.

In West Texas, nearly $400,000 will be used at the Balmorhea State Park for repair and replacement of roofs, trim, chimneys and adobe exteriors of motel rooms in the park. More than $600,000 has been allocated to repair deteriorating structures at the Davis Mountains State Park.

Approximately $1 million is allocated for roof repair at Choke Canyon State Park. In that same area, $67,000 will be spent for improvements to playground equipment. Funds are also designated for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at Goliad State Park. The park will fund upgrades to the dining hall, sidewalks and fencing and electricity will be installed in certain areas.

Also in South Texas, nearly $250,000 is set aside to repair and replace electrical service and water lines at nearly 50 campsites. The Lake Corpus Christi State Park has more than $65,000 in repair work planned to repair a washed-out retaining wall and to make minor office renovations.

In North and North Central Texas, the state's most visited park – Cedar Hill State Park – is due for $4.35 million in funding to replace electrical, water and wastewater systems in camping areas and to bring restrooms and the park headquarters into ADA compliance. At Lake Whitney State Park, more than $480,000 will be used to renovate a restroom, reception hall and screened shelters.

Contracting opportunities in the Southeast Texas area include a $25 million overhaul of the tourist attraction, the Battleship Texas State Historic Site. At Lake Texana State Park, more than $600,000 will be used to repair and replace electrical and water systems at campsites. The San Jacinto Battleground area, too, will undergo major water and wastewater system repairs to the tune of $435,000. And infrastructure at the Sea Rim State Park will be repaired at a cost of more than $1 million.

Parks in Central Texas and the Piney Woods area have a number of projects to be funded.. At the Bastrop State Park, more than $3.6 million has been set aside for repairs to historic buildings, while at Buescher State Park, foundation problems that threaten a recreation hall will be repaired with more than $861,000 that has been set aside.

In the Panhandle Plains area of Texas, $454,000 has been allocated for an engineering study at the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The objective will be to find alternative water supply options and to renovate various camping and day use areas. Money also has been set aside for the purchase of heavy equipment for the park, including a front-end loader and backhoe.

The ever-popular Garner State Park in the Hill Country will benefit from $1.55 million that will be used to renovate cabins, repair roofs and enclose group shelters. Electrical service and water line repairs to campsites at Inks Lake State Park will cost approximately $450,000. More than $250,000 has been allocated for repair and replacement of water lines at campsites at the Lost Maples State Natural Area.

And finally, in East Texas $2 million has been earmarked to repair the deteriorating lodge, boathouse and concession building. Approximately $960,000 has been allocated for renovations and repairs to buildings on the property as well as the construction of pedestrian bridges along the trails.

Texas parks are getting lots of attention. These opportunities represent only part of the planned upgrades for Texas state parks. For more details about upcoming funded opportunities, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Austin.