TPWD outlines $1.1 billion biennial appropriation, supplemental grants and FY‑26 budget to commission
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Summary
CFO Reggie Begeese presented a crosswalk from the agency’s legislative appropriation request to the enacted 2026–27 numbers (~$1.1B), summarized supplemental FY‑25 funding (~$99.4M), and asked the commission to place the FY‑26 operating and capital budget on Thursday’s agenda for public comment and action.
Reggie Begeese, TPWD’s chief financial officer, briefed the commission on Aug. 20 about the department’s legislative appropriation request (LAR), adjustments made by the Legislative Budget Board and the final conference‑committee numbers that form the General Appropriations Act for the 2026–27 biennium.
Begeese said the agency submitted a baseline LAR of $1 billion and that after adjustments and directed additions the agency’s biannual appropriation is approximately $1.1 billion and a workforce cap of about 3,270 FTEs. He identified major additions and adjustments, including a $70 million increase to expand and modernize game warden presence (aircraft and patrol vehicles), directed grants totaling roughly $37.8 million (including $10 million for the Robb Elementary Memorial and $7 million for the Battleship Texas), and an updated sporting‑goods sales tax estimate that added about $20.8 million.
On supplemental funding for FY‑25, Begeese said House Bill 500 provided roughly $99.4 million for the agency, including $62 million in directed grants, $21 million for headquarters repairs and $9 million for vehicle purchases. He noted that some one‑time items may be carried into the FY‑26 and FY‑27 budgets with an adjustment at a future meeting.
Begeese walked commissioners through the FY‑26 operating and capital budget crosswalk, the method‑of‑finance breakout (general revenue, GR‑dedicated accounts, federal funds), and the capital appropriations for land acquisition, construction and major repairs, IT, vehicles and equipment. Staff requested the commission place the FY‑26 operating and capital budget on the Thursday meeting agenda for public comment and action.
No vote was taken at the work session; commissioners asked clarifying questions about LBB base adjustments and contract‑notification processes for large procurements.
