Press Release
Reps. Cuellar and Hurd Announce Additional $15 Million in Federal Reimbursement for Mission Reach ProjectThis funding comes on the heels of an additional $10 million provided in last year’s Omnibus Appropriations bill which passed through Congress in May
Washington,
March 22, 2018
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Cuellar: Olya Voytovich and Hurd: Rachel Holland
(Olya Voyotovich: 202-225-1640 and Rachel Holland: 202-225-4511)
Today, Representatives Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Will Hurd (TX-23), and the San Antonio delegation announced an additional $15 million in federal reimbursement for the San Antonio/Bexar County Mission Reach Project in the Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. This bill was approved by the House of Representatives and is moving on to a vote in the Senate. The Mission Reach Project is a United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project to prevent San Antonio River flooding and restore natural plant and animal habitats. Money to complete the project was loaned to the USACE by Bexar County. USACE has been slowly paying back the funds thanks to the help of Representatives Cuellar, Hurd, and other members of the San Antonio Congressional Delegation. To date, the project has received $16.2 million in reimbursement. Under this bill, the project is expected to receive an additional $15 million, provided that the USACE continues to prioritize this funding through their FY18 Work Plan. “I would like to thank my fellow Appropriators, Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson and Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur, for their assistance in announcing this language, along with Senator Cornyn and Congressmen from San Antonio – Reps. Hurd, Smith, Doggett, and Castro– for their help in repaying these Bexar County funds,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I would also like to recognize the San Antonio River Authority, for their steadfast work on this important project.” “The Mission Reach project has been a huge success and undoubtedly benefited the entire San Antonio and Bexar County community. It is time for Bexar County to be reimbursed in full for the loan it provided to the Corps so it can reinvest these funds into other important projects to benefit our citizens. I’m glad to see the Committee on Appropriations embrace this effort and include language in this year’s bill.” Congressman Hurd, whose district includes Mission Espada, part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, added, “Over the last few years, we’ve watched Mission Reach produce tremendous cultural and economic gains, not just for the Southside – but for all of San Antonio – by connecting all five UNESCO-recognized Spanish Missions with hike and bike trails, and attracting millions in private-sector development. I am proud to secure reimbursement year after year so that San Antonio River Authority can continue their transformative ecological, cultural and economic improvements for our city. Additionally, I want to thank Chairman Mike Simpson for his engagement on this issue and his willingness to listen to me and the San Antonio River Authority through numerous meetings throughout the year. I am proud of our close working relationship and look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of San Antonio.” According to the San Antonio River Authority, “The Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project has transformed an eight-mile stretch of the San Antonio River into a quality riparian woodland ecosystem. This unique project restores riverine features and riparian woodlands, reintroduces native plants, enhances aquatic habitat, and reconnects cultural and historical features.”
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