With the recent discovery of a rare spider that was thought to be extinct, San Antonio commuters in the northwest part of the city saw a halt in the construction of the highway underpass project on Texas 151 at Loop 1604 in order to preserve the spider’s habitat. The Chamber’s Water Committee will take the issue to legislators in Austin to argue for a resolution to the ongoing problem of the state’s inadequate process for dealing with endangered species.
As a result of the find, the Texas Department of Transportation (TX DOT) suspended all permits to construct and build in the area due to the discovery, causing a financial burden on contractors, the city, and San Antonio Water System (SAWS). When construction was suspended, SAWS was only 200 feet from completion in a water main project.
Greg Flores, Vice President of Public Affairs at SAWS, briefed members of the Water Committee and indicated that in order to complete the project, SAWS must either obtain an Incidental Take Permit or wait for a Regional Incidental Permit, which is already underway by Bexar County and the City of San Antonio. However, these options could take up to two years if expedited. SAWS is currently evaluating these options and studying the impact the finding of the spider may have on other projects.
Committee members discussed the importance of expediting the process of obtaining an incidental take permit in such instances as the delay in construction projects. The establishment of a state process for endangered species was also mentioned as a topic to push at the state level.
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce - News
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