The SAN antonio river authority seeks funding to remove or modify otilla DAM, built in the 1910 s for irrigation, from the SAN antonio river

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $1,382,321 Project Grant under the National Fish Passage Program (CFDA 15.685) to the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) to remove or modify the Otilla Dam on the San Antonio River. The primary goal is to restore fish passage and connectivity for aquatic species, including several Texas conservation priority species, that have been cut off by the obsolete dam structure. The project will span 5 years, starting in FY 2025, and includes design, permitting, and construction phases. Key deliverables include 100% design plans, construction progress reports, and final project completion documents. The secondary outcomes are increased recreational and educational opportunities along the restored river system. SARA may utilize external consultants for design and construction work, but will follow competitive procurement processes. This project represents the first National Fish Passage Program initiative in the San Antonio River watershed, providing a valuable demonstration site for aquatic connectivity restoration efforts.

The DAM is in a state of disrepair from years of use and degradation over time and has become a safety hazard as well as a complete barrier for all aquatic species, including american EEL, burrhead chub and guadalupe bass, all designated as species of greatest conservation need (sgcn). Species of greatest conservation need are species that have been identified in the texas conservation action plan for restoration, management, research and recovery. Upstream of the DAM, the SAN antonio river and the westside creeks have been subject to significant modifications resulting in flashy systems with very little ecological function. Beginning in the 1990 s, extensive stream restoration and channel improvement projects have been completed, including over $500M of federal and local investment in stream restoration activities upstream of otilla DAM. The removal modification of this structure would also provide passage for aquatic organisms from the downstream reaches of the SAN antonio river into salado creek. In addition to restoring fish passage, this project will also connect the mission reach and saspamco paddling trails, adding 16.5 miles of recreational opportunities in the SAN antonio river. The project will start during the river authoritys fiscal year or FY25 cycle, october 1, 2024, to september 30, 2025. Year one will consist of project design and completion of the permitting process in preparation for construction activities, on-going stakeholder outreach and fish movement studies that will inform design components of a potential DAM modification option. Years two and three of the project, FY26 and FY27, will be the demolition construction phase of the project. The decision will be made during FY25, whether the DAM will be completely removed or if the structure will be modified. The primary consideration is the stability of the banks in the upstream reservoir created by the DAM. The structure, built more than a century ago, has created a reservoir approximately 6-8 deep at maximum depth. Complete removal could potentially lead to significant bank failure upstream of the existing structure and create the need for extensive bank stabilization and stream restoration. Deliverables:year 1 FY25: 100% design plans and permits necessary to begin project construction.year 2 FY26: construction activity progress reports, as agreed upon by USFWS and river authority staff.year 3 FY27: project completion documents and as-builts (if applicable).the primary expected outcome of this project is the removal of otilla DAM as a barrier to fish passage in the SAN antonio river. While the three previously listed sgcn are highlighted, this project will restore fish passage for all species in the SAN antonio river community. The secondary outcomes of this project include increased recreational and educational opportunities. This will be the first national fish passage program project in the SAN antonio river watershed and will provide an invaluable resource for local and regional agencies, schools and organizations to educate the public on the importance of fish passage and the need to remove these types of structures that have no existing societal purpose. The beneficiaries of this project include anglers, paddle sport participants, local, state, regional and federal entities such as the SAN antonio river authority, the texas parks and wildlife department and the US fish and wildlife service, and the residents of the SAN antonio river watershed.aspects of this project are likely to be conducted by external consultants, most notably design and construction IT is unclear at this time who those award subrecipients will be. The river authority will follow all contract and purchasing guidelines to ensure a fair and competitive process.