The Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project has received full federal funding through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Work Plan. The $75 million in federal funding will transform 11 miles of the Alazán, Apache, Martinez, and San Pedro creeks by restoring the aquatic ecosystems with native grasses, wildflower, and trees, all while maintaining the present level of flood mitigation protection. The San Antionio River Authority (SARA) is the local sponsor of the project with Bexar County being the local funding partner. The Westside Ecosystem Restoration Project has been in the planning stages for 14 years, and SARA has worked with County, City, federal delegation, and Corps of Engineers partners. A timeline for construction and completion will be developed in the next few months, and the first Westside Creeks Restoration Oversight Committee is scheduled for February 15, at 6 p.m.
“The announcement of complete funding for our Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project is wonderful news for our community. Over the past 128 years, the Chamber has facilitated public-private partnerships to ensure the strength and stability of our City’s economic success. This project has featured prominently in our SA to DC fly-ins for the last couple of trips proving that persistence and advocating directly with our federal representatives reaps real benefits for our community. Congratulations are in order for our SA to DC participants who have advocated for this project, the San Antonio River Authority (SARA), the County, the City, and all the other players who have come together with a clear voice for our region,” said Richard Perez, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.
