Richard Perez
This plan comes to us from months of open, discussion that has been under the bright lights. We applaud SAWS transparency, and willingness to have the public play an important role in developing this proposal.
San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) September 27, 2014
The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted unanimously this morning to urge the SAWS Board to approve the contract for the Vista Ridge Pipeline Project. The opportunity to secure a new fresh water supply to citizens in Bexar County was characterized as one of the most impactful economic development decisions for our region in decades.
City Councilman Joe Krier, who has been heavily involved in the discussions and evaluation of the plan, gave a briefing on the proposal to the board.
“Keep in mind that for the last 40 years we have not owned one drop of our water future,” Krier told the board. “This water deal is the first time since I moved here in 1973 that we have the opportunity to secure our long term water future.”
He outlined three important commitments that are a part of the plan. First, this does not mean unlimited development over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone because 90 percent of the Bexar County recharge zone is already either developed, grandfathered, master planned or set aside for easement. Second, this is not the end of SAWS commitment to conservation. Third, there will be a new lifeline rate established for those who are at the bottom of the economic ladder who cannot absorb rate increases and will have a guaranteed low rate.
Chamber President and CEO Richard Perez praised the process, “This plan comes to us from months of open discussion that has been under the bright lights. We applaud SAWS transparency, and willingness to have the public play an important role in developing this proposal.”