In October, 1998 and July, 2002, record rainfall deluged the San Antonio area, flooding the city and causing damages in excess of $1 billion. Following these two flood events, government leaders united in an effort to provide improved flood control, storm water management and water quality. The Bexar County Commissioners Court, the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) entered an agreement forming a virtual flood control district designated as the Bexar Regional Watershed Management (BRWM) partnership. Since the initial formation of the partnership, 20 suburban cities have joined to expand the collaboration and help address flood issues throughout Bexar County.
BRWM Goals
- Improve the quality of life for citizens by protecting life and property and providing for safe transportation during heavy rain and flood events by effectively allocating manpower and resources
- Raise awareness of flood control and water quality projects and programs
- Provide information and education about flooding, water quality issues and flood insurance
- Utilize updated technology to improve flood analysis and warning
- Address water quality issues collaboratively, rather than individually
Partnership Benefits
By coordinating planning and capital improvement programs, BRWM has collaborated to manage and reduce flood risks throughout Bexar County. The partnership has dramatically reduced wasteful duplicated efforts , and empowered the effective and efficient allocation of manpower and resources among its member agencies. Updated, integrated technology has aided in the analysis of flood and storm water data to enhance flood warning, water quality and land use planning. The creation of BRWM also bolsters the region’s capacity to comply with state and federal requirements and to seek state and federal funding to address local flood risks. Through its partners and various committees, BRWM provides the public with information and education opportunities to raise awareness about flood risks, illegal dumping, and water quality projects and programs.
Organization
At its inception, organizational oversight of the BRWM was provide by the Committee of Seven, which included two representatives from San Antonio City Council, two from Bexar County Commissioners Court, two from SARA Board of Directors and one elected official representing the participating suburban cities. The Committee of Seven provided an invaluable forum for elected officials from the various organization to communicate and shape the BRWM for long-term flood risk management throughout the region at the outset of the partnership.
Today, daily direction and leadership for BRWM comes from Management Committee, which is comprised of the City of San Antonio’s Director of Public Works, Bexar County’s Executive Director of Infrastructure Services, SARA’s General Manager and one representative appointed by the participating suburban cities. The Management Committee also created a 15-member public participation group, known as the Watershed Improvement Advisory Committee. Members represent each of the five Bexar County watersheds and are appointed by the governing boards of the City of San Antonio, Bexar County and SARA.
BRWM Organizational Chart – Click to Expand
Originating Interlocal Agreement
Click image to view BRWM Interlocal Agreement
Managing Partners
