U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) and the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) on Oct. 29 welcomed U.S. House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Michael Simpson (R-ID) to San Antonio, Texas, where Rep. Simpson received recognition for helping to secure federal reimbursement funds for educational signage at the Bexar County Mission Reach Project.
“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,” said Rep. Hurd, whose district includes Mission Espada, part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.
“Chairman Simpson has allowed San Antonio to secure reimbursement year after year for Mission Reach, and I am glad to show him firsthand today the San Antonio River Authority’s transformative ecological, cultural and economic improvements for our city,” Rep. Hurd added.
Ongoing advocacy by Reps. Hurd and Simpson helped nail down $25 million in a fiscal year 2019 federal appropriations package that is expected to be designated for Mission Reach reimbursement in San Antonio, according to Rep. Hurd’s office.
Mission Reach is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project that’s designed to stop San Antonio River flooding and restore natural plant and animal habitats, according to Hurd’s office. Money to complete the project was loaned to the Corps of Engineers by Bexar County, Texas. The federal reimbursement to the county gives it the needed resources for completing other community projects, such as the San Pedro Creek Culture Park.
Mission Reach has received a total of $30.8 million, thus far, according to the congressman’s office, an amount that will balloon to more than $55 million in reimbursement once the additional FY 2019 funding is designated by the Corps.
“Congressman Will Hurd has long been an advocate for the San Antonio River Authority and for projects in Texas,” said Rep. Simpson, who said he was pleased to accompany Hurd “to see first-hand the San Antonio Mission Reach Improvement Project.”
“Congressman Hurd’s leadership is evident in the success of this urban ecosystem restoration project and San Antonio is lucky to have such great representation,” he said.