09-18 | Habitat and Angler Access Program Now Accepting Proposals for Project Funding for the Fiscal Year 2028-29 Cycle

Sept. 18, 2026

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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AUSTIN – Project ideas and proposals are now being accepted for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP). HAAP provides essential funding for projects that increase shoreline and bank fishing access as well as restore and enhance fish habitat in Texas’ public inland waters.

Project proposals for fiscal years 2028-29 will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2027. Potential partners are required to contact, discuss and develop project ideas, as well as draft and submit project proposals in coordination with TPWD Inland Fisheries Biologists and the HAAP Team .

“The Habitat and Angler Access Program is an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate and support partners interested in expanding fishing opportunities and bettering the quality of fisheries for Texans and our visitors,” said Michael Homer Jr., fisheries biologist and HAAP coordinator for TPWD’s Inland Fisheries Division. “The program is intended to identify and implement projects with the highest potential to enhance freshwater fisheries resources and improve bank and shoreline fishing access in public waters.”

Since 2021, the program has supported 47 projects with more than $2 million of funding, primarily from the sale of freshwater fishing licenses, as well as over $2.5 million of matching funds contributed by partners. Projects are conducted in collaboration with eligible partners including other state and federal agencies, local municipalities, water authorities, educational institutions, angler-based organizations, tribal groups, and other non-profit organizations.

Example habitat projects include bank and shoreline stabilization projects, installation of erosion control features, deployment of habitat structures, native vegetation plantings, as well as dredging excessive silt and organic materials from reservoirs that have high potential for quality fisheries development.

Potential bank or shoreline-based angler access projects include the development or improvement of fishing piers, installation of fish attracting features (e.g., underwater dock lighting and habitat structures), the creation of jetties, as well as the construction of non-motorized boat launches for kayaks, canoes and other small watercraft for fishing access.

Below is the list of current 2026-2027 fiscal year projects that have been completed or are near completion. Project details can be found on the TPWD HAAP website.

Lake Brownwood Habitat Enhancement Project
Kirby and Ft. Phantom Hill Multipurpose Fishing Piers
City of Coleman Memory Lake Habitat and Access Project
Lake Stamford Anchor Marina Crappie House Project
City of Grapevine Settler’s Park Fishing Pier Expansion Project
Lake Muenster Fishing Pier and Kayak Launch Project
City of Big Spring — Comanche Trails Park Fishing Pier and Kayak Launch Project
Garner State Park Day Use Area Riparian Stabilization Project: Phase 2
Cassin Lake Fish Habitat Enhancement Project
Lady Bird Lake Native Plant, Fish Habitat Restoration and Access Project
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Stream Habitat Demonstration Area
Stream Crossing Development Guidance Manual

For more information regarding HAAP and how to submit a proposal visit the TPWD HAAP Request for Proposals webpage. Proposals may be submitted to the HAAP supervisor, Michael Homer Jr., at michael.homer@tpwd.texas.gov or FishGrants@tpwd.texas.gov beginning at 5 p.m. CDT Sept. 18 — 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31, 2026. Approved projects will be announced in spring 2027 and will have a completion deadline of Aug. 31, 2029.