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Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Will Hurd (TX-23) announced $1.5 million in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) FY18 Work Plan to initiate a study of Mitchell Lake. This funding will be used to initiate the restoration of the lake’s ecosystem and surrounding habitat, eventually providing San Antonio residents with health, recreational, and economic benefits. Congressman Cuellar has worked to secure this funding in the Appropriations Committee over the last few years.

Mitchell Lake was one of San Antonio’s first centralized wastewater treatment plants, historically used as a receiving water body for storing raw or partially treated sewage. The treatment plant is owned by San Antonio Water Systems (SAWS), which has sought funding from USACE to study the lake. Since 1992, SAWS has conducted extensive planning for the development of Mitchell Lake and the surrounding area. This funding will be used to initiate a study to evaluate and implement processes to treat water leaving Mitchell Lake, address lingering pollution, and improve water quality. This will transform the area into a flourishing, natural habitat for families in Bexar County and visiting tourists to enjoy.

“I would like to thank Congressman Hurd for helping me with this issue,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This is an important first step in initiating a study that will eventually restore the ecosystem surrounding Mitchell Lake, which has been neglected for years.  I look forward to seeing the progress of this restoration project and the and the benefits it will have for the surrounding communities.”

Congressman Cuellar added, “I would like to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for prioritizing this project. I also recognize San Antonio Water Systems and the San Antonio River Authority for their assistance on this issue.”

“We would like to thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for his continued leadership in securing funding for Mitchell Lake. He has continually stepped up for our community, finding solutions to difficult issues in San Antonio,” said Robert R. Puente, SAWS President/CEO. “This funding will be crucial in restoring the surrounding area and transforming our local aquatic ecosystems.”

Mitchell Lake is positioned on a natural migratory bird route and serves as a resting point for tens of thousands of birds each year. Bird watchers come from all over the world to see the unique variety of birds that visit there. This project is designed to improve the surrounding habitat around the lake, creating a more economically friendly environment for a variety of animal species. This restoration project will also increase visitors to the lake, by creating trails with hiking and biking paths for people in Bexar County.

To read more about Mitchell Lake, please click here: http://mitchelllake.audubon.org/about