This series provides readers the opportunity to learn about the unique insights and experiences of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) Board of Directors and their personal connection to the San Antonio River in hopes of inspiring stewardship of area creeks and rivers.
How was your recent visit to Washington DC?
Our recent trip to Washington DC was focused on meeting as a River Authority with our federal delegation to thank them for supporting and passing the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. This legislation has a provision directing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fully restore Martinez Creek, similar to Alazán, Apache, and San Pedro creeks.
Lourdes with fellow board member Patrice Melancon in front of the US Capitol.
This legislation is a win for our community as it authorizes full restoration of Martinez Creek’s ecosystem and helps ensure that all four creeks are functional, safe and accessible for the community to enjoy with their families. As a board member, I look forward to continuing the conversations in Washington and remain hopeful that we will continue to build and maintain relationships with our federal partners and beyond so that the work of the River Authority always continues.
Can you provide an update on any projects?
On December 5th, 2024, San Antonio City Council formally voted on and approved the naming of the Westside Creeks Ecosystem as the “Roberto Rodriguez Westside Creeks Ecosystem.” I was proud to stand with my longtime friend and colleague on this day as city council recognized him for his hard work and deep-rooted dedication to the Westside Creeks and am thrilled that this ecosystem will now bear his name. It is a fantastic way to honor his legacy in our community and his time on the River Authority’s Board of Directors.
Lourdes with Roberto Rodriguez and D5 Councilwoman Terri Castillo at the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Naming event.
Members of the community look at a proposed map of Martinez Creek during the Westside Creeks 65% design public meeting.
Additionally, the federal Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project is nearing 90% design, and we want to give the community a final opportunity to learn about the improvements to their neighboring creeks. As those 90% design plans are delivered in early summer, we will host public information sessions so that our neighbors will have a final opportunity share their opinions on the design and we can engage in open dialogue with the community.
What are your goals and top priorities as a board member?
I view the Westside Creeks as generational gems. Growing up on the west side of San Antonio, I remember navigating the slippery rocks and balancing on plywood laid across the Alazán and Apache creeks on my way to school and playing in the creek beds with my family and neighbors on those long summer days. This is a tradition and memory that I have passed down to my own children. My goal and top priority now is to continue the work and see the completion of the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project so that my grandchildren and future generations of my community can enjoy clean, safe and enjoyable creeks in their own backyard and connect with nature and recreational activities—an achievement long overdue for the west side of San Antonio.
About Lourdes Galvan
Businesswoman Lourdes Galvan is a former San Antonio District 5 councilperson. She brings a wealth of community service experience to the River Authority. Ms. Galvan is a community activist and has been a supporter of the Westside Creeks Restoration Project for many years.
