San Antonio: Councilman Pelaez Supports Passage Of The Alternative Aquifer Funding Program

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

September 17, 2020

SAN ANTONIO – Today, City Council approved an ordinance establishing the continuation of the City’s Edwards Aquifer Protection Program with a $100 million funding commitment and an accompanying Programmatic and Finance Agreement with the Municipal Facilities Corporation to administer the program. In reaction to the passage of this ordinance, Councilman Pelaez made the following remarks:

“This alternative proposal can provide dedicated aquifer funding to the tune of $100 million dollars and the right safeguards to ensure the program’s legacy and vital role in protecting our community’s most precious resource: water.

The Conservation Advisory Board (CAB) will continue to provide oversight to the Edward’s Aquifer Protection Program (EAPP) in this new funding framework, demonstrating a solid guarantee of the continued excellence and professionalism of this program.

This board of experts is chaired by Dr. Francine Romero and staffed by representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Edwards Aquifer Authority, San Antonio River Authority, San Antonio Water System, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, The Economic Development Foundation, Medina County, Uvalde County, and the Director of the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department.

With the input and guidance of the pioneer for aquifer protection since EAPP inception and former City Councilwoman Bonnie Conner, and that of the CAB, I am assured that this new funding framework will continue this program’s legacy and critical mission.

In respect to the concerns of neighbors regarding the future of linear trails, I encourage you to remain assured. I remain committed to the long-term vision of the Greenway Trails System and will continue to fight to secure funding for the completion of trails.

Trail connectors and extensions remain slated for construction, and several are underway now, such as the first segment of the Leon / Salado Creek connector and the Bamberger park to UTSA connector. And, the City’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget features several expenditures from these funds to continue building out the trails that our community so avidly enjoys.

Lastly, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has stated support for continued trail funding through the Bexar County River and Creek Program included in the County’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget, reflecting a continued community commitment to support these important cherished local amenities.”

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.