Experts gather in San Antonio for nature based infrastructure workshop

A day-long workshop organized by Environment Texas Research and Policy Center explored how nature-based infrastructure can be used to curb water pollution and flooding. The workshop brought together experts from across the state to discuss how Texas can install more rain gardens, green roofs, and other natural strategies for capturing (and using) stormwater – before it causes problems.

The workshop came as the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is developing rules for a new Flood Infrastructure Fund, created by the Legislature in the wake of Hurricane Harvey to help improve the state’s resilience against flooding.

Texas Water Development Board Chair Brooke Paup speaks at the Nature-based Infrastructure Forum in San AntonioPhoto by Staff | TPIN

We submitted comments to TWDB calling for at least 20% of flood funds to go toward nature based infrastructure, including to protect open spaces like the Katy Prairie which can soak up floodwaters. We are also asking TWDB to study the efficacy of nature based infrastructure and work with local governments to promote its use.

Last month, we also released a new video on nature based infrastructure.