The overview
Known as the Bexar County Creeks & Trails Programmatic Activities Task Order, the order reallocates funds to be used for preliminary work, such as appraisals, surveys, environmental assessments, research and archaeological services.
According to county documents, these preliminary services are a necessary step to determine future project-specific task orders and to inform the decision making process regarding the funding, sequence and timing of future projects in the BCCT.
As part of the task order, the San Antonio River Authority will assume the responsibility of project manager and oversee the preliminary investigations.
Scope of work includes:
- Investigations: the river authority will conduct environmental research, investigations, assessments. initial title work, surveys and property value assessments
- Environmental review: the river authority will provide all necessary environmental permitting services, including wetlands, endangered species, National Environmental Policy Act compliance and geological surveys
- Archaeological Review: the river authority will provide cultural resource management, including archaeological surveys, literature searches, records reviews, formal site testing, data recovery excavations, laboratory analysis and report writing
- Hydraulic study: if necessary, the river authority shall develop a hydraulic model to assist in the design and permitting of construction elements within the project
According to the river authority, the Bexar County Creeks and Trails Program is a multi-year investment in a series of projects across the county.
These projects are designed to:
- Restore degraded aquatic or riparian ecosystems
- Improve water quality and flood control
- Promote the addition of trails and other recreational and park amenities
- Connect neighborhoods, public institutions, and city and county parks to the linear creekway trail network
- Leverage funding and promote cost-effectiveness
