Texas Lawmakers Come Together in Bipartisan Effort to Restore Martinez Creek

Texas lawmakers came together in a bipartisan effort for Congress to grant full aquatic ecosystem restoration of Martinez Creek in San Antonio, located on the city’s Westside.

“Martinez Creek and the adjacent historically underserved neighborhoods and disadvantaged residents deserve to have the full array of ecosystem restoration measures implemented similar to restoration efforts on the San Pedro, Apache and Alazán creeks. The Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project is a high priority for our community, and as such the Bexar County Commissioners Court has committed to being the local funding partner for the local match requirement…This project will provide a range of environmental, recreational, social and health benefits that our constituents have been sorely lacking, and we request your full consideration,” said the lawmakers in their letter to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Texas Representative Greg Casar (D) emphasized how the restoration could benefit the area and its residents.

“Restoring the historic Martinez Creek will bring huge benefits to Texas Congressional District 35 residents — with new neighborhood trails and parks, safer paths and roads, and improvements to more than 200 acres along the creek.”

“Thank you to Reps. Castro, Cuellar, and Gonzales for prioritizing this important project for Westside residents. Together, we’re ensuring that San Antonio gets the investment it deserves,” said the congressman as he thanked the bill’s bipartisan sponsors.

Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) highlighted the historic value of Martinez Creek while also stating his desire for quick approval of the legislation.

“For years, I’ve been proud to work with my colleagues in the San Antonio delegation to bring new federal investments to Westside Creek restoration projects. As we create and expand new trails and public spaces for families to enjoy, the people who live around Martinez Creek deserve to see a full creek restoration in their neighborhood as well. I thank Reps. Cuellar, Gonzales, and Casar for working with me on this project, and I hope that our request will be swiftly approved. Martinez Creek is a beautiful part of San Antonio’s natural history and heritage, and I look forward to seeing the benefits that a full creek restoration will bring to the entire Westside,” said Congressman Castro.

Texas Representative Henry Cuellar pointed to the importance of water quality and how the bill could benefit San Antonio residents.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have long fought for robust federal funding for the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project. I’m pleased to join my colleagues from the San Antonio delegation to push for the full ecosystem restoration of Martinez Creek, which will enhance the water quality and ecological health of the region while providing additional outdoor recreation activities to our constituents. I thank Reps. Castro, Gonzales, and Casar for their partnership in protecting this essential watershed,” said Congressman Cuellar.

Texas Representative Tony Gonzales (R) pointed to the project’s environmental benefits for the San Antonio region.

“The Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project has been a long-awaited project for the city of San Antonio, with far reaching community and environmental benefits for the historic Westside,” said Congressman Gonzales.

“For many in the area, this project revives the area’s storied past and deep roots, and I look forward to continue working with my colleagues in San Antonio delegation to see this project through.”

Environmental laws have been very popular with Texas lawmakers recently. Rep. Casar recently celebrated the announcement of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) “Clean School Bus” program. The program will send new, electric buses to Texas schools.