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ARANSAS PATHWAYS

ARANSAS PATHWAYS. Aransas Pathways is a Venue Tax Project designed to develop and improve Aransas County’s eco-tourism resources at no cost to tax payers.

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ARANSAS PATHWAYS

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  1. ARANSAS PATHWAYS Aransas Pathways is a Venue Tax Project designed to develop and improve Aransas County’s eco-tourism resources at no cost to tax payers. Tourism and particularly eco-tourism are the primary economic drivers for Aransas County. However the County is falling behind our competitors in this area.

  2. BENEFIT The Aransas Pathways Project , if approved by voters on May 14th, will improve existing and develop new eco-tourism (birding, historic and recreational) sites in the County at no cost to taxpayers. This is expected to encourage commercial growth in the county by attracting more visitors and increasing overnight stays. These improved resources will also benefit county residents. Venue tax is paid by visitors to the County. No additional taxes are required to fund the Pathways Project.

  3. From Birding Texas by Roland H. Wauer and Mark A Elwonger. About Rockport “Although this was once one of North America's best known birding hot spots, much of the natural environment has been degraded by developments and grazing since the days of Connie Hagar, the birder who discovered the area to be a birding bonanza.”

  4. COMPETITION Corpus Christi – “Caller Times” Construction to start on Oso Bay Nature Park and Trail ($2.4 million) Nelda Martinez “ It’s not only a good fit for us but our ecotourism. This is going to be a huge contribution to our community and I think it’s going to be one of the best rates of return of our 2008 bond election.” Barbara Austin “sees the park as an opportunity to connect residents to the natural world.”

  5. Rockport Parks Survey According to Tom Staley, Parks Director, the results of a park needs assessment survey conducted in 2010 with 857 county and city residents responding: # 1 Additional hike and bike trails # 3 Bird and nature trails # 5 A birding center

  6. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Pathways is a venue tax project. It will be funded by the existing 2% venue tax on hotel/motel occupancy approved by voters in May of 2010. This tax is paid by visitors not by residents. Under the venue tax law the Project must be approved by voters. The election is scheduled for May 14. The Project will develop and improve existing birding, historical and recreational sites within Aransas County’s “Tourist Development Areas” recently established by Commissioner’s Court.

  7. Description Continued The project will also connect most of these sites by a series of trails or pathways to improve accessibility for both residents and tourist alike. The project is expected to increase both the number of visitors to our county as well as the number of overnight stays.

  8. The Pathways Committee De McLallen Tom Callan – Aransas First, R-F C of C Earl & Lonnie Matthew – Aransas First J D Debler – Aransas First Debra Corpora – Aransas Bird and Nature Club Janie White – Aransas County Historical Society Pam Stranahan – Aransas County Historical Commission Ellen Reisinger – Aransas / San Patricio Master Gardeners Tom Staley – Parks Director, City of Rockport Charles Smith – County Commissioner Jerry Brundrett – Griffith and Brundrett Surveying and Engineering Ray Kirkwood – Mid-Coast Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists Nancy Paulson – Rockport Web Sites and R-F C of C Krystal White – R-F C of C Ernie Edmundson – Aransas San Patricio Master Gardeners

  9. BIRDING Improve 45 + Birding Sites • Parking space • Signage • Easements • Landowner buy-in Additional sites may be acquired through conservation easements or other arrangements with land owners

  10. BIRDING A birding site reference book • Site descriptions • Pictures • Directions • Species by season • Site precautions

  11. HISTORY 38 Identified and accessible sites • Signage already available • Parking already available 17 New sites which may require: • Signage • Parking Space • Possible relocation of two historic homes.

  12. Pathways Potential for 65 miles of • Trails • Unpaved footpaths • Paved • Crushed stone • Mulch • Hike and Bike Trails Trails use • City Sidewalks • Undeveloped easements and rights of way • Property which will be purchased for short connecting links

  13. Pathways Pathways consist of 12 to 13 segments or loops Longest is 15 miles from Lamar to Salt Creek Each pathway trail head includes a kiosk with information about historic places and birding sites along the trail. Central structure planned at Tule Creek and Bus 35 with footbridge to Shellcrete Park

  14. PROJECT STATUS Commissioner’s Court approved concept in November Commissioner's Court declared most of County to be a “Tourist Development Area” State Comptroller has approved project as required by venue tax law. Formal endorsement by Rockport City Council will be sought as well as possible use of the Tule Creek site. Commissioner’s Court has called for a special election on May 14, 2011.

  15. FUNDING Initial cost estimate $ 2.5 million Revenue Bonds, paid off by 2% venue tax as currently funding the Aquarium. The Pathways Venue Tax will not increase the current Venue Tax and will be paid by visitors to our hotels. It does not represent a tax increase of any kind to visitors or residents. Venue tax can be used for operations & maintenance. Tax deductable contributions may be made through Aransas First

  16. PROPOSITION Authorizing Aransas County to provide for the acquisition, planning design, development, renovation or construction of facilities including buildings, historical sites, birding sites, kiosks, wildlife viewing structures, trails, paths, roads, walkways, bridges, parking lots, signage, real estate, easements, and rights-of-way within the County’s tourist development area along inland waterways in the County; and to impose a hotel occupancy tax at the rate of (2%) of the price paid for a room in a hotel located in Aransas County, Texas for the purpose of financing this Venue Project.

  17. Ballot Language PROPOSITION Authorizing Aransas County to provide for the acquisition, planning design, development, renovation or construction of facilities within the County’s tourist development area along inland waterways in the County; and to impose a hotel occupancy tax at the rate of (2%) of the price paid for a room in a hotel located in Aransas County, Texas for the purpose of financing this Venue Project.

  18. What’s Left Inform the public. Voters approve project!

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