DEPARTMENT: Public Works
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Razi Hosseini, P.E., R.P.L.S.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Interlocal Agreement Amendment: Regional Flood Control Projects
SUMMARY:
An ordinance approving the execution of an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Bexar County for regional flood control projects as part of Bexar County Flood Control Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) located citywide.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As a result of a severe flood in 1998, the Bexar County Commissioners Court and the San Antonio City Council created a Countywide Citizens Master Plan Committee to review and prioritize flood control projects in the Cibolo Creek, Leon Creek, Salado Creek, Medina Creek and San Antonio River watersheds. In 2007, the Bexar County Commissioners Court established the Bexar County Flood Control Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) to manage the design and construction of these regional flood control projects. Approximately $500 million will be spent on regional flood control projects by Bexar County, both inside and outside the city limits of San Antonio.
Previous Council Action
On January 15, 2009, the original Interlocal Agreement (ILA) was approved by City Council through Ordinance 2009-01-15-0029 to establish the terms and conditions for 18 regional flood control projects within the city limits of San Antonio to be managed and constructed by Bexar County.
Two amendments following the originally approved ILA, the first being approved June 21, 2012 and the second being approved March 13, 2014, added a total of 34 regional flood control projects. A third amendment approved June 21, 2016 added 53 High Water Detection Sites (HWDS) within City limits to be designed and constructed by the County and maintained by the City. The fourth amendment was approved September 19, 2019, and added a total of seven HWDS.
ISSUE:
This ordinance approves the execution of an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Bexar County for regional flood control projects as part of Bexar County Flood Control Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) located citywide.
The proposed fifth amendment to the Interlocal Agreement will allow for the design and construction of two Low Water Crossings (LWCs) in an effort to increase safety by removing them from the floodplain.
The proposed reconstructed LWCs include the following:
• Heuermann Road at Maverick Creek Tributary 6
• Bulverde Road at Tributary of Elm Waterhole Creek
As part of the continued conditions of the Interlocal Agreement and outlined in the amendment, Bexar County will manage and fund the design and construction of the proposed projects. Upon completion and acceptance of these projects, the City’s Public Works Department will be responsible for the on-going maintenance of these facilities that reside within city limits.
Approval of the agreement will be a continuation of City Council policy to collaborate with other governmental agencies supporting the City’s commitment to maintaining and improving existing infrastructure.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, City Council could choose not to approve this ordinance; however, the City would be required to allocate funding for improvement of the proposed LWCs impacting public safety and losing the opportunity to collaborate with Bexar County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this ordinance. Any additional request for funds as a result of this agreement will be subject to City Council approval through the annual budget process. Upon completion and acceptance of these projects, Public Works will be responsible for on-going maintenance of these facilities. Maintenance and repair of these facilities will be funded through the Storm Water Operating Fund and will be included in Public Works’ annual maintenance budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing the execution of an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Bexar County for regional flood control projects as part of Bexar County Flood Control Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) located citywide.