 The proposed 8-mile expansion of MoPac South is one of the greatest threats we've seen to Barton Springs, Barton Creek, and the Edwards Aquifer in recent years. Its years-long construction and expanded footprint will harm our air and water quality, the health of the students at Austin High School, and critical habitat for the endangered Barton Springs and Austin Blind Salamanders. Yet, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) has repeatedly denied public access to critical environmental and traffic modeling data that they are using to justify the highway expansion. That's why we're suing them. Last Friday, we filed suit against the CTRMA to force the release of this public information. CTRMA is claiming that they are not obligated to release this information under the so-called “deliberative process privilege,” a claim that directly contradicts Texas case law. This privilege applies only to internal policy discussions, not to factual and technical reports that form the basis of policy decisions. The CTRMA cannot selectively disclose information, while withholding the underlying information. “This is about accountability,” Bunch added. “The public has a right to know the basis for a massive, proposed toll road expansion located directly on top of multiple and highly vulnerable public trust resources. By state law and basic principles of good government, the CTRMA can’t pretend they want help from the public in evaluating the proposed project and potential alternatives but then keep secret almost all of the information they are relying on." Stay up to date and consider making a donation to support our efforts to fight the Mopac South expansion at KeepMopacLocal.org. You can read the full press release HERE and the KXAN article on the lawsuit HERE. The lawsuit in its entirety is also available HERE. Please take action below to ensure the MoPac South expansion is removed from the CAMPO 2050 Regional Plan!  TAKE ACTION: Environmentally-Focused Comments Needed for New Transportation Plan The next long-range transportation plan for the Austin region is being considered by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), a regional body that decides how federal and state dollars are spent on local transportation projects. There is an ongoing open house for the new 2050 Regional Transportation Plan which ends April 15, 2025. Submit comments now! We need your help speaking up for the environment. New and expanded roads have an enormous impact on our region’s air and water quality, yet the plan would expand regional road capacity by 26% with no plans for environmental mitigation. Here’s an interactive map of the new roads and expansions. The plan includes the horrible new expansions of Mopac South, RM 1826, and RM 620. These planned expansions are based on outdated data that don’t reflect the new “post-pandemic normal” of increased telecommuting and hybrid workplaces. The draft plan also includes new roads that will drive development over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and other environmentally sensitive areas. The proposed extension of RM 150 around Dripping Springs—a giant gift for developers. And, it includes the extensions of Yarrington Road west of Kyle and a new western loop around San Marcos that will fuel growth over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge and Contributing Zones. The Actions:
Where: 5330 Bluffstone Lane, Austin, TX 78759 *Must sign up to speak in advance. Contact Your Elected Officials. Send an email to your elected officials with your comments. The CAMPO Policy Transportation Board includes representatives from most of the local cities and counties. These include Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes and Council Members Laine, Siegel and Qadri; Travis County, Judge Andy Brown, Commissioners Howard and Travillion, and Amy Patillo; Hays County, Comm. Debbie Ingalsbe.  Help Protect Barton Creek Habitat Preserve from Polluted Wastewater An Austin developer is seeking a wastewater permit from TCEQ to serve a development that would include six high-rise condo buildings, a hotel, and a distillery next to Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, Central Texas’ largest nature preserve, important habitat for the golden-cheeked warbler, and vital safeguard for water quality in Barton Creek. The permit, if issued, would allow poorly treated sewage to be irrigated on a field that sits directly upslope from Barton Creek. Any runoff of pollutants would go directly into Barton Creek. Learn more about the permit by taking a look at the application materials and draft permit HERE. Join us in opposing this wastewater permit by making comments during the public meeting next Tuesday, April 8th at 7pm at the Hotel Viata, Juniper Ballroom, 320 S. Capital of Texas Highway West Lake Hills, TX 78746. You can also submit written comments before the end of the public meeting using the link below! Enter the permit number associated which is WQ0016547001  Join Us for Upcoming April Eco-toursWe’ve been having a blast in the woods and our newly flowing creeks, getting dirty and learning so much with new friends. Now, it's your turn to join us for two incredible eco-tours this April! Sunday, April 13th, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Hike & Swim the Barton Creek Wilderness Park with the Envirobabes! (Optional vanpool from SOS office at 8 AM) Join us for a guided hike and swim of the beautiful upper Barton Creek waterfalls, including the legendary Sculpture Falls (fingers crossed for rain!). Special guest Michelle Camp, Save Barton Creek Association Board Treasurer and sustainable water tech expert, will join us for an unforgettable day in nature. During the hike I will share a bit about how the Wilderness Park became included in the Greenbelt parkland (hint: it was the work of amazing conservationists just like you!) and the lore around the notorious Edwin Foster, mid century WWII inventor turned landowner who made many, uh...alterations...of the creek during his tenure! Sunday, April 27th, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM – Hike & Swim the Barton Creek Wilderness Park & Sculpture Falls! (Optional vanpool from SOS office at 8 AM) Join SOS field guides and special guests for a guided hike and optional swim/snorkel in the stunning waterfalls of Upper Barton Creek. Explore the rich history and ecology of the Greenbelt, and discover how Barton Creek plays a crucial role in recharging the Edwards Aquifer. Learn about the wildlife, plant life, and geology that make this area so unique, and get tips on how you can help keep Barton Creek and Barton Springs clean and healthy for future generations of Austinites. As we face unprecedented challenges—from the fight to stop the MoPac expansion to preventing wastewater in Barton Creek--your support is more crucial than ever. The best way to make an immediate impact is by becoming a sustaining, monthly donor. By backing SOS, you are supporting our legal efforts, environmental advocacy, and scientific research that keep Austin green, beautiful, and livable.
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