Safeguarding Waterways (and People) from Excessive Highway Expansion
In our local communities, the ongoing extension, expansion, and creation of road networks pose significant threats to the quality of our water, air, and the habitats of various species. The Save Our Springs Alliance has a distinguished track record of responding to these threats, particularly those that directly endanger nearby creeks and rivers.
From the moment they're built to their long-term effects, roadways have profound implications for water quality:
- Runoff Pollution: Rainwater washes pollutants like oil and trash off roads, contaminating nearby water sources.
- Stormwater Flow Changes: Increased road surfaces alter natural stormwater flows, leading to erosion and instability.
- Loss of Riparian Habitat: Construction disrupts and destroys vital riparian zones, crucial for supporting diverse wildlife.
Addressing Air Quality, Justice, and Urban Sprawl
The impact of roadway projects extends beyond environmental concerns. They contribute to urban sprawl, exacerbate air pollution, and often disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Current Initiatives: I-35 Central Expressway Expansion
In August 2023, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) unilaterally approved an environmental analysis for the proposed expansion of I-35 through Central Austin. This ambitious plan involves adding lanes, displacing numerous residences and businesses, and exacerbating air pollution in already-affected neighborhoods. Additionally, TxDOT intends to divert polluted runoff into the Colorado River, east of Longhorn Dam.
In response, the Save Our Springs Alliance, in collaboration with Rethink35, PODER, the Austin Justice Coalition, and other concerned organizations, has filed a lawsuit challenging the adequacy of TxDOT’s environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. A successful outcome would compel TxDOT to reconsider the project's environmental impact and explore community-supported alternatives.
As a complementary measure, the Alliance, alongside numerous individuals and organizations, has lodged a complaint against TxDOT under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This action highlights the historical and ongoing discrimination associated with the I-35 project and asserts TxDOT's obligation to address past injustices and mitigate present disparities.
Get Involved
Join us in our efforts to protect our waterways and promote environmental justice. Your support, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or spreading awareness, is invaluable in our mission to protect our communities and natural resources for generations to come.
Join the Rethink I-35 Freeway Fight HERE.
Sign the Title VI Complaint Letter HERE.
