X-twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin
San-Antonio-River-Authority-Logo

About Us

kayak on river

Strategic Plan 2025-2030

General Facts Sheet 2024-2025

SARA sign Clint (3)

About The Authority

San Antonio River Authority

In 1917, the voters of Texas, recognizing the necessity of developing and conserving the State’s water resources and inspired by devastating floods of 1913 and 1914, passed a Constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to create special purpose political subdivisions of the State to serve regional areas, generally coincidental with river basins and to be generally known as river authorities.

San Antonio River Authority, created in 1937, is one of many such active river authorities in the State of Texas. Its jurisdiction covers 3,658 square miles—all of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad Counties.

Contact Us

Vision

Inspiring Actions for Healthy Creeks and Rivers.

Mission

Committed to Safe, Clean, Enjoyable Creeks and Rivers.

Our Leadership

Governance

A 12-member Board of Directors governs the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority). Six directors are elected from Bexar County and two are elected from each of the three other counties with each elected member serving six years. Policies established by the Board are executed by the management organization under the direction of a General Manager appointed by the Board.

View the Board

Taxing Authority

The San Antonio River Authority has the statutory authority to impose an ad valorem tax for use in planning, operations and maintenance activities only. Its tax is statutorily limited to two cents per $100 of assessed property valuation. The adopted ad valorem tax rate is $0.01787 (1.787 cents) per $100 assessed property valuation. The average annual tax is $55.13. The adopted FY 2024-2025 budget is $373.8 million.

View Our Leadership

Our Culture

The River Authority's Core Values

Accountability

  • We care for our creeks and rivers as a valued natural and community resource.
  • We exercise care in managing the public funds and resources entrusted to us.
  • We care for our employees.

Excellence

  • We are committed to innovative, collaborative, adaptive and strategic actions that result in watershed solutions.
  • We provide responsive service, leverage our experience and strive to advance our knowledge, skills and capabilities.

Open & Direct Communication

  • We are committed to innovative, collaborative, adaptive and strategic actions that result in watershed solutions.
  • We provide responsive service, leverage our experience and strive to advance our knowledge, skills and capabilities.

Team Work and Collaboration

  • We are honest, ethical and reliable.
  • We are accountable to and value the trust and confidence of the citizens and communities we serve and each other.

Agency Goals

  • Acquire strategic assets that increase the ability to preserve and enhance creeks and rivers throughout the basin.
  • Grow portfolio of engagement opportunities to ensure a diversity of accessible experiences.
  • Leverage core services throughout the basin to further preserve and enhance creeks and rivers.

Key Enabling Activities

  • Talent Development and Empowerment
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
  • Innovation and Adaptability

Alerts

Trail Closure: Museum Reach Trail

December 18, 2024
Please be advised that the Museum Reach Trail at the Pearl South Bridge will be closed from Thursday, December 19, 2024, through Friday, December 20, 2024, until close of business. This closure affects the west bank of the river between Newell Street and Myrtle Street due to construction on the trail. Barricades and signage are in place to indicate the closure and provide alternative routes. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period. Note: Please exercise caution and follow all posted signage and barricades in the area.

Trail Closure: Roosevelt Park to I-10

December 18, 2024
The trail section from just south of Roosevelt Park to I-10 will be closed starting December 16th through December 19th. Please see the attached map for specific closure details.

Stem Density Efforts

December 18, 2024
Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!  

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

November 20, 2024
Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

May 6, 2024
The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park. *Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 
Current Conditions

River Reach Newsletter and Blog Signup

River Reach is offered as a printed, physical mailing to your residence or business. The Blog is a weekly electronic email with news and updates in order to be more environmentally conscious. Please fill out the form below and indicate your preferred method of delivery.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing materials from: San Antonio River Authority, 100 East Guenther St., San Antonio, TX, 78204, US. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.