About Us

About The Authority

San Antonio River Authority

In 1917, the voters of Texas, recognizing the necessity of developing and conserving the State’s water resources and inspired by devastating floods of 1913 and 1914, passed a Constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to create special purpose political subdivisions of the State to serve regional areas, generally coincidental with river basins and to be generally known as river authorities.

San Antonio River Authority, created in 1937, is one of many such active river authorities in the State of Texas. Its jurisdiction covers 3,658 square miles—all of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad Counties.

Vision

Inspiring Actions for Healthy Creeks and Rivers.

Mission

Committed to Safe, Clean, Enjoyable Creeks and Rivers.

Our Leadership

Governance

A 12-member Board of Directors governs the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority). Six directors are elected from Bexar County and two are elected from each of the three other counties with each elected member serving six years. Policies established by the Board are executed by the management organization under the direction of a General Manager appointed by the Board.

Taxing Authority

The San Antonio River Authority has the statutory authority to impose an ad valorem tax for use in planning, operations and maintenance activities only. Its tax is statutorily limited to two cents per $100 of assessed property valuation. The adopted ad valorem tax rate is $0.0183 (1.83 cents) per $100 assessed property valuation. The average annual tax is $57.97. The adopted FY 2025-2026 budget is $411 million.

Our Culture

The River Authority's Core Values

Accountability

Excellence

Open & Direct Communication

Team Work & Collaboration

Agency Goals

Key Enabling Activities

Alerts

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

When: Beginning October 20, 2025 through Spring 2026 What: Crews will be performing stem-density removal and related vegetation maintenance along sections of the Mission Reach to help manage flood risk and protect surrounding infrastructure. Some trails or segments may be closed temporarily while work is underway. Why: Removing excess stems that naturally establish along the river helps maintain stormwater conveyance, reduces flood risk, and protects public infrastructure while allowing grassland and native vegetation to recover and thrive. What to expect:
  • Limited trail closures and intermittent work zones.
  • Crews and equipment working near the riverbanks during daytime hours.
  • Parking areas remain open, but visitors may see signage and temporary barriers.
Questions? Call the San Antonio River Authority at (210) 227-1373 or visit https://www.sariverauthority.org/services/river-health/ecosystems/. Thank you for your patience while we keep the Mission Reach safe, clean, and enjoyable. Stem Density work 12.10.2025-12.19.2025

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

Maintenance work will be done in Calder Alley starting Wednesday, September 18, 2025.
  • Trails will remain open during this work.
  • One bench at a time will be temporarily barricaded while improvements are completed.
  • There may be occasional contractor pickups in the area.
We appreciate your patience as we continue to maintain and improve San Pedro Creek for all to enjoy!

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park. *Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings. Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

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