Last Updated on January 30, 2024
As part of our commitment to safe, clean, enjoyable creeks and rivers, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) promotes collaborations with local, regional, state, and federal governments and officials. It is thanks to the collaboration between these groups and the merging of ideas and resources that many projects have been successfully completed over the years that have helped improve area creeks and rivers.
Read along as we highlight two significant projects that are currently taking place in collaboration with our partners!
Bexar County Creeks and Trails Program
Salado Creek
The River Authority has worked with Bexar County on significant projects throughout the agency’s history like the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project, which increased the quality, quantity, and diversity of plants and animals along the eight miles of the San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach and added more than 16 miles of hike and bike trails and eight miles of paddling trail.
On any day you can see families, joggers, bikers, and kayakers utilizing the trails along the San Antonio River and Bexar County creeks, enjoying the sunshine and greenspaces that grace the county. The Bexar County Commissioners Court has decided to honor this treasured part of the community by making significant investments in the proposed amount of $247 million to improve trail system connections, restore damaged ecosystems, improve flood mitigation, and boost economic investments within the County. The program will include the creation of thirty-five miles of hike and bike trails and the restoration of nearly thirteen miles of creeks and rivers. Bexar County will work closely with the City of San Antonio and the River Authority to develop and manage these projects, moving to fully connect the emerald necklace of central Texas. In particular, the River Authority will collaborate with Bexar County to serve as project manager to aid in the design and construction of the Bexar County Creeks and Trails Program.
San Antonio Zoo Well Project
San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo currently operates a well on a site owned by the City of San Antonio and uses the water for its animals. The water is treated by UV light to help get rid of bacteria such as E. coli before it drains into the San Antonio River. The current water well is failing, and the San Antonio Zoo is at risk to lose the only water source for their animals. The River Authority provided initial technical assistance by conducting a preliminary engineering report to determine potential solutions. Now, the River Authority is teaming up with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and the San Antonio Zoo to install a new well and provide repairs to the existing well to improve its function and efficiency, as the zoo requires consistent flow from the well to remain operational. The funding for the project is being provided by the city and county. The project is still in its early stages and construction is expected to begin in 2022 and is expected to end in 2023.
