$3.5M Grant for San Antonio Aquifer (TX)

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Today, the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national non-profit conservation group, applauded the approval of a $3.5 million grant by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that will help protect land in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. In March 2003, TPL along with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) wrote and submitted the grant application to the USFWS. It was officially approved on July 14th.

“We’re one step closer to creating another great San Antonio park,” said TPL project manager Jason Corzine. “This grant opens the door for TPL and the community to make critical additions to existing parkland, protect significant endangered species habitat and ensure clean drinking water for San Antonio and beyond.”

The grant was supported by U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn and U.S. Congressmen Henry Bonilla and Pete Sessions. It was awarded by the USFWS through the Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition grant program, authorized under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This program provides federal funds to protect the habitat of endangered and threatened species. The conservation of this habitat land will protect nine federally-listed endangered invertebrate species, as well as the endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler.

TPL, working with TPWD and City of San Antonio has protected more than 11,000 acres over the Aquifer since 1990.

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.6 million acres of land in 45 states. In Texas, TPL has protected more than 22,000 acres for communities, including Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. The Trust for Public Land depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve our land for people mission.