A coalition of environmental groups and community advocates are pushing to delay a city council vote on the San Antonio Water System's Vista Ridge deal until next June when a new Mayor and city council will be in session. Council is slated to take up the issue after a vote by SAWS board this morning.
The SAWS' Board voted on the $3.4 billion deal that they say will secure the future water supply that San Antonio needs. They passed the purchase agreement, which you can find below. The 30-year plan would pump 16 billion gallons annually from Burleson County, Texas in a 5' wide pipeline that runs 142 miles.
Reed Williams, former district 8 city council member, and SAWS trustee came on the program last week to talk about the draft deal.
But many aren't happy with the speed the deal will be approved without public input. Below is a copy of the most recent deal.
There are concerns about the cost which is projected at over $2000 per acre foot compared to $1100 from the desalination plant and the $400-$500 water we draw from the Edwards Aquifer.
Additionally there are concerns about the impact of turning our water provider into a water seller by adding more than 20 percent of San Antonio's current water usage.
Will it kill the cities conservation efforts?
*Tonight a free public lecture will take place with several different stakeholders at UTSA downtown.
Guests:
- Amy Hardberger, professor of law at St Mary's University, expert in Texas water laws, and Mayor Castro's appointee to the SAWS Capital Improvement Advisory Commitee
- Annalisa Peace, executive director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance
