With a major expansion on the horizon for Austin’s Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mayor Kirk Watson is working with city staff to ensure the $1 billion project goes off without a hitch. The project, which City Council approved last May, would expand the site’s processing capacity from 75 million to 100 million gallons of […]
Atlas 14
This study, conducted by the National Weather Service, shows that Central Texas is more likely to experience larger storms than previously thought, based on historical rainfall. This means that severe flooding is also more likely, and floodplains have changed.
Posted inEnvironment
City advised not to assist flood victims from April 20 storm
The head of the Watershed Protection Department has advised the city against offering direct assistance to homeowners flooded during an April 20 storm, due to concerns that action could set a precedent for future natural disasters. In a memo dated June 1, Jorge L. Morales, director of the watershed department, said having the city cover […]
Posted inCity Council
Council adopts new flood control resolution
In her first move on City Council, new member Vanessa Fuentes authored a resolution directing the city to provide an update on its flood resilience plans. “Often in my community it’s not a matter of if the next big flood happens, but when the next big flood happens,” Fuentes said. “It is essential that this […]
Posted inPlanning
Atlas 14 flood plain ordinance advances with residential improvements waiver
The Watershed Protection Department has crafted a way to help residents living in the city’s flood plain continue to make improvements to their homes as one component of an ordinance amending city floodplain regulations. The Planning Commission endorsed the proposal Tuesday, but some commissioners and environmental activists expressed reservations. Bobby Levinski, representing the Save Our […]