Rehabilitation Project

News Release - San Antonio River Authority - June 29, 2004

San Antonio – Local and federal officials were lured back to Live Oak City Park to commemorate the completion of a rehabilitation project on the park’s 40-year-old floodwater retarding structure, known as Martinez Dam No. 5. Federal funding was crucial to completion of the project, Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Henry Bonilla, served as major player to secure federal funding for the project. Representatives from the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) were joined by U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, and Steven Bednarz, Assistant State Conservationist for Water Resources -Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the afternoon ceremony.

Martinez Dam No. 5 was constructed in 1964, in partnership between the NRCS, SARA, Bexar County, and Alamo Soil & Water Conservation District. In the early 1980s, the U.S. Congress commissioned a review of dam engineering criteria and required an inspection of all dams nationwide. Six of the floodwater retention dams in the Martinez Creek Watershed, a sub-watershed to the Cibolo Creek, did not meet current performance standards due to increased commercial and residential development. Downstream development combined with changed hydrology and hydraulics associated with upstream development has resulted in a different hazard classification related to dam safety. “The surrounding landscape of the dam was agricultural and has now changed to a significantly developed suburban community,” noted San Antonio River Authority Board Member Louis Rowe. The changed setting, combined with more stringent design criteria, makes rehabilitation of this floodwater retarding structure a high priority.

According to Salvador Salinas, Deputy State Conservationist for NRCS, “Modifications to the dam to bring it into compliance will include raising its height by 1.4 feet, constructing a larger inlet tower, flattening the slope of the dam to a 3 to 1 slope and improving the principal spillway. “This dam has performed well in recent heavy rain events in the area and has reduced flooding downstream,” Salinas added. The rehabilitation will extend the life of the dam 100 years while continuing to provide flood protection for surrounding communities.

To support priority dam rehabilitation projects, the President signed legislation on November 28, 2001, authorizing $10 million in federal expenditures to implement the Small Watershed Rehabilitation Amendments. Under this legislation, NRCS was authorized to assist local watershed sponsors with technical assistance and a 65/35 cost-share program to rehabilitate and upgrade their aging dams. NRCS prioritized three floodwater retarding structures in northeast Bexar County in need of rehabilitation—Martinez 4, 5 and 6A. The local sponsors for the rehabilitation projects are Alamo Soil & Water Conservation District, San Antonio River Authority and Bexar County.
“Bexar County is proud to serve as the local funding partner to meet local match requirements to rehabilitate this dam and protect these communities,” stated Commissioner Tommy Adkisson. “This project shows your flood tax dollars at work.” Total estimated cost for the project is $1,500,000; Bexar County’s local match requirement is $525,000.


“Governments working together can always accomplish more than one can accomplish alone,” emphasized Adkisson, “We, along with the San Antonio River Authority, the City of San Antonio, the cities of Converse, Live Oak, and Universal City, and others have partnered in the Bexar Regional Watershed Management Program to address flood concerns throughout the county.”
The Bexar Regional Watershed Program is a partnership between the three major entities in Bexar County—Bexar County, City of San Antonio, and SARA with roles and responsibilities for flood control and storm water management. The partnership was created for implementing a consistent, unified, equitable flood control, drainage, and storm water program for the citizens of Bexar County. These entities are also working with 18 suburban cities within Bexar County to include these jurisdictions’ needs in the program.

Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez was presented a plaque and photo of the Martinez Dam No. 5 in honor of his support of priority Dam Rehabilitation Projects.
“We must assist our local communities financially when it comes to protecting lives, properties, and infrastructure,” Congressman Rodriguez stated. He added that nationally the Watershed Projects provide an estimated $1.7 billion in annual benefits from flooding and erosion damage, recreation, water supplies, and wildlife habitat.
“The Martinez Dam No. 5 Rehabilitation Project is a good example of efficient partnerships working toward a common goal—flood safety for the protection of our citizens,” concluded Congressman Rodriguez.

The project also includes an environmental protection component that will improve fish habitat and add access points to promote better fishing. During construction, SARA will work with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) to relocate game fish prior to draining the lake, which is required to facilitate construction activity below the water level. To minimize the loss of fish, SARA and TPWD, in accordance with state fish recovery standards, will collect game fish in the stream immediately below the dam’s plunge basin, transport the fish in containers, and release them into Salatrillo Creek downstream several miles south of the Live Oak City Park. Once construction on the dam is complete, the permanent lake level will be 10 inches higher than it is today. TPWD will restock the lake with game fish of various sizes to promote the development of a healthier, sustainable fishery.

“We’re asking for the public’s understanding and cooperation over the next 12 months as we work to bring the dam to current standards and, in the process, improve the lake as a recreational asset to the community,” said Weaver. No public access to the lake will be allowed during construction. The adjacent park facilities will remain accessible.

Before concluding the morning event local and federal officials kicked-off the first process of the rehabilitation project by opening valves that drained the lake at the dam. Construction on the project is scheduled to begin this August and continue through May 2005.
Citizens who have questions regarding this project can contact Jim Blair, Flood Control Infrastructure Manager, at SARA, (210) 227-1373.
SARA was created by the 45th Texas Legislature on May 5, 1937, and reorganized in 1961, to plan, manage, and implement water-related programs and projects within the San Antonio River Basin. The State of Texas empowered SARA to preserve, protect, and manage the resources and the ecology of the San Antonio River and its tributaries.

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