Boerne discusses interlocal agreement with San Antonio River Authority to speed FEMA floodplain reviews

Boerne city staff on May 20 discussed an interlocal agreement that would let the San Antonio River Authority conduct technical reviews of FEMA floodplain submittals on the city's behalf. Jeff Carroll, who presented the item, said the agreement is intended to streamline review and use the River Authority's local expertise.

The agreement would route FEMA technical-review work that now sometimes goes to Washington, D.C., to San Antonio. Carroll said the River Authority is an approved FEMA cooperative technical partner and that using its online portal would keep review files current and could shorten the review process. "Going through the River Authority instead of going through FEMA could save 3 to 4 months in that review process," Carroll said.

Why it matters: floodplain revisions and Letters of Map Revision (LOMR/LOMA) affect development, insurance rates and project timelines. Carroll said the city's initial review would remain mandatory and that Boerne can require standards higher than FEMA's minimum. "It is still part of that two-part process where they would review to our standards, but we as a city still get to review first," Carroll said.

Key details: Carroll told the council the interlocal would not require any city funding and that applicants' review fees would be paid to the River Authority rather than to FEMA in Washington. He noted the River Authority already reviews work for jurisdictions in the area and maintains an online portal where consultants can retrieve the most recent models and files. City staff said the county had previously approved the interlocal and that the city attorney has reviewed the draft; staff will continue their review and bring the agreement back for formal council action.

Council questions and staff responses: Council members asked about possible downsides, including whether the River Authority could become entitled to tax or other authority; Carroll said a tax change would require county-wide action and that the draft interlocal does not grant taxing authority. On whether Boerne would be bound to the River Authority's findings, Carroll reiterated the two-step review process and that Boerne's higher standards must be met before River Authority submission.

Next steps: Council treated the item as a discussion; staff will return with the interlocal agreement for formal consideration at a future meeting.

Speakers quoted or who spoke on this item appear in the speaker list attached below.