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Comal County applies for state match on $12.7 million dam rehabilitation project
Summary
Comal County commissioners approved an application to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board seeking state funds to cover the countys local match for a $12.7 million rehabilitation of Soil Conservation Service Site 4 (Agua Blanca) Dam; the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service would pay 65% if the project moves forward.
Comal County commissioners approved a request to apply to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board for matching funds for the rehabilitation of Soil Conservation Service Site 4 (Agua Blanca) Dam.
County staff said engineering evaluations show the dam currently "does not safely contain the hundred year flood without overflowing the auxiliary spillway" and does not meet the requirement to pass the probable maximum precipitation. Robert, a county staff member who presented the project, said the design standard for the area is 44 inches of rain in 24 hours and engineers propose constructing and reinforcing an auxiliary spillway and expanding side spillways.
The total estimated construction cost is $12,700,000. Robert said the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) would cover 65% of the cost through its program; the remaining 35% is a local match. The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board has set aside $25 million for similar programs over the next two years and can cover the countys 35% local match if funds remain available. Commissioners were told construction is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026 if funding and scheduling align.
A motion to authorize the county judge to sign and submit the application was made and seconded; the court voted to approve the application.
Commissioners and staff discussed budget contingencies: a commissioner asked whether the county would be "on the hook" if the county did not budget the match. Robert replied that if the state had no available funds when NRCS requests the county match, the federal agency would likely defer the project and revisit it later rather than obligate the county to provide funds immediately.
The vote authorizing the application passed by voice vote.
