Argyle MDD discusses applying to Denton County Development District No. 4 for Nature Trail funding

At a workshop item on Sept. 2 the Municipal Development District of Argyle reviewed a potential application to Denton County Development District No. 4 to help fund the town's proposed Argyle Nature Trail.

Harrison, a staff member, told the board the Denton County Development District's mission is to "enhance economic activity within the district and surrounding areas" and that the district's boundary centers on the Lantana area. Harrison said he had asked Rena Maloney, Denton County's economic development program manager, whether the Argyle Nature Trail would be eligible; Maloney told staff it would be eligible under the "surrounding area" portion of the district's mission.

Staff said they intend to request up to $200,000. Harrison read from the draft project narrative included in the packet: "Argyle Nature Trail will be a preeminent destination for visitors to the heart of Argyle's Town Center District, comprising 4.6 acres of untouched cross timbers forest directly adjacent to the town's central business district." He described the trail as intended to link local businesses along U.S. 377 and FM 407 with a preserved natural trail and said the packet included an application (Exhibit A) with basic requirements.

Staff advised the board that Denton County Development District awards are reimbursement-based, meaning the town would pay costs and later seek reimbursement; because of that process Denton County requires a resolution from the governing body to confirm the applicant can cover upfront costs. Town council must pass that resolution on Sept. 18 for the MDD or town to submit an application before the Development District's next meeting on Oct. 6, staff said.

Harrison presented cost estimates used in the application as examples drawn from a Westwood Engineering feasibility estimate: erosion control/demolition/tree protection line items totaling about $74,400 and hardscape/paving in the range of $65,400, and an illustrative high-end total of $868,000 reflecting an option using boardwalk materials for the full loop. Harrison said he used a high-end estimate in the draft so the town could see a "gold standard" cost but that lower-cost phasing could reduce the total to options in the $250,000–$450,000 range depending on scope (for example, omitting lighting or a parking lot). He said final cost options from Westwood will be discussed at the parks committee meeting later in the week.

Board members discussed whether the MDD would contribute money. Harrison said no formal MDD contribution was requested at the workshop and that staff expected the core, near-term build of the trail might be funded by other sources; MDD engagement at this stage would be to support the grant application in name and to show local "sweat equity" such as the town's small-area planning and any matching or adjacent developer commitments. He emphasized that any decision about MDD funding would come at a later date and that the item before the board that evening was informational only.

The board did not take action on the grant application at the Sept. 2 meeting; staff said they would proceed with the town-council resolution timeline and Parks Committee review.