Watershed Protection Department staff dived into the details of the city’s Habitat Management Plan on Wednesday. The plan will protect the Barton Springs salamander and the Austin blind salamander, two federally endangered species known to live exclusively in Barton Springs. Watershed Protection salamander biologist Tom Devitt told the Environmental Board that the plan includes a […]
Watershed Protection Department
The city’s Watershed Protection Department works to reduce the impact of floods, erosion and water pollution in the city. The department is mostly funded by the city’s drainage fee.
Posted inAustin, Environment, Resources
City reveals new drainage fee structure
Austin Watershed Protection Department staff publicly presented its proposed restructure of the drainage fee for the first time Wednesday, saying that it is fairer and more equitable to customers than the current flat fee. Watershed Protection Director Victoria Li told the Environmental Board that the proposed structure is based on the impact that each property […]
Posted inAustin, Development
Oak Hill residents stay late to warn against project
Though both sides recognized the threat of floods in the area, an Oak Hill project that some worry could make floods worse got an initial approval from City Council at its last meeting. Developers are seeking a zoning change from Limited and General Office Use to Multifamily and Mixed Use, and to change the Future […]
Posted inDevelopment
South Lamar development problems get closer look
Development in the city’s South Lamar neighborhood may be approaching a tipping point. A recent report could have the city scrambling to make sure it doesn’t capsize. “Are we just going to give up on this neighborhood, or are we going to figure out how to make it work?” asked Council Member Laura Morrison. City […]