AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin’s Watershed Protection Department is working on a plan that will guide the work the department does over the next decade. It’s called Rain to River.
The last time the plan was updated was 20 years ago. It will focus on how rainwater makes its way across Austin. That’s because each time it rains — rainwater flows into our creeks, lakes, springs and the Colorado River. However, rain can also pick up pollutants, erode creek banks, and flood homes and businesses.
The department is able to tackle some of those issues through construction projects things like drainage infrastructure improvements to prevent future problems. With this plan, those at the Watershed Protection Department want to address climate change, population growth and racial inequities.
For example, ensuring those who call the Dove Springs neighborhood home near Onion Creek which has experienced devastating flooding in the past have their voices heard.
“Equity is a core driver of racial equity for this plan, who you want to engage, but not just in terms of engagement, but how we fundamentally take action in a way that actually leads to impact in the long term for remedying historic injustice,” explained Katie Coyne, the city’s environmental officer. “And so if we’re talking about all communities in the eastern crescent, we’re certainly talking about places like Dove Springs, where in 2013-2015, there were historic losses of property and life that we certainly need to acknowledge.”
Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m. the department will host a virtual community meeting. They also ask communities that plan to host an event or meeting to invite the Watershed Protection Department so they can learn more about the plan Rain to River. The department will also hire community ambassadors to help reach communities. There is a survey online available for anyone to take.
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