News Summary
Amid rising flooding risks impacting over 4,000 structures in District 5, San Antonio is re-evaluating the Concepcion Creek Drainage Project. City officials are exploring new strategies, holding previous plans, and engaging residents in discussions about the project’s future. Community advocates are urging for transparency and participation, with a new Stakeholder Group established for improved communication. As the city acknowledges past outreach failures and seeks $1.38 million funding, residents await the development of effective flood mitigation plans.
San Antonio is re-evaluating the Concepcion Creek Drainage Project amidst heightened concerns over flooding risks that threaten over 4,000 structures in District 5. This initiative has been a focal point of discussion on the city’s West Side for several years, and now city officials are opting for a new strategy, putting previous plans on hold while working to engage residents in the decision-making process.
Recent updates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate significant flood risk in San Antonio, which affects planning and safety measures across the region. With new draft flood risk maps released, the city is poised to confront these challenges head-on, emphasizing the importance of the Concepcion Creek Drainage Project in mitigating future flood impacts.
Previous proposed solutions included constructing a detention pond, which would require the removal of 100 to 150 homes. This potential displacement has raised alarm among residents whose homes are at risk, leading to increased demand for transparency and active community involvement in discussions about the future of the project. Virginia Castro’s residence is among the properties listed for possible removal, creating uncertainty and concern for many families about the future of their homes.
Community advocates, including residents like Eddie Medina, are pushing for greater involvement in the planning process, stressing the importance of having a voice in decisions that directly affect their lives. In response to these concerns, the city has established the Concepcion Creek Drainage Neighborhood Stakeholder Group aimed at better communication between city officials and community members. This stakeholder group is intended to serve as a bridge for exchanging information and addressing community concerns.
Councilwoman Teri Castillo highlighted the necessity of appointing reliable community members who can act as liaisons between the city and residents. The inaugural meeting of the Stakeholder Group recently took place, where community members voiced their dissatisfaction regarding inadequate outreach efforts to keep them informed about project developments.
Jessica Shirley-Saenz from the Storm Water Division has acknowledged past communication failures and pledged to enhance transparency moving forward. Despite these initiatives, no finalized plans for the drainage project have yet been presented. The city is actively planning to hire a design firm by June, which will facilitate community workshops aimed at developing new, community-driven plans.
Financially supporting these efforts, the city has decided to accept $1.38 million from the Legislative Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program. This funding is expected to bolster the city’s ability to strategize and implement effective flood mitigation measures as part of the Concepcion Creek project.
While the city is making strides in enhancing communication and involving residents in the planning process, there is still no specific online platform, such as SA Speak Up, established for project updates or engagement. Residents will be keenly watching to see how these efforts unfold and whether they will lead to effective solutions that ensure their safety and preserve their homes.
As discussions continue, the city of San Antonio remains committed to addressing the critical issues surrounding flooding risks and the Concepcion Creek Drainage Project while fostering a collaborative approach with its residents.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: San Antonio’s Proposed Drainage Project
- Wikipedia: Concepcion Creek
- Spectrum Local News: Updated Flood Maps Displacing San Antonio Homeowners
- Google Search: San Antonio Drainage Project
- Express News: Draft Floodplain Map Adds Properties by Mission
- Google Scholar: Flood Mitigation
- KSAT: San Antonio River Authority Renews Vegetation Removal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood Management
- KENS 5: Homes Flood in San Antonio
- Google News: San Antonio Flooding
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
