Texas House Bill 4230 was passed June 20 to allow the creation of an estimated 100-mile-long hiking/biking trail connecting the Alamo to Austin. The bill was proposed by State Rep. William Metcalf and State Sen. Donna Campbell.
The stated goal of the trail is to conserve the environment and the Edwards Aquifer’s recharge zone. The trail will connect four springs between San Antonio and Austin: San Antonio Spring, Comal Spring, San Marcos Spring and Barton Spring.
The expected completion will be in January of 2036, which will mark the 200th anniversary of Texas’ independence. The signed House Bill 4230 grants permission for the Great Springs Project to work alongside state agencies as they move forward with the project. For the next 11 years, the Great Springs Project will have to receive rights, permits and complete construction across four counties.
The vision for the project has been in the works for 27 years by Deborah Morin, who founded the Great Springs Project in 2017. Proponents of the bill had concern over the rapid growth of surrounding cities, which would have resulted in the impossibility of conservation efforts on the route of the trail. The efforts of conservation are said to help protect endangered species and water quality, protecting around 50,000 acres of land from San Antonio to Austin.
The Great Springs Project released a short video about the trail on their website, showing what it will be surrounded by. The video is narrated in English by Matthew McConaughey and in Spanish by Manu Ginobili and shows the scenery and the springs that the trail will surround. Along the website, sponsors for the organization are listed as well as the possible benefits to the area that the trail will bring over time. The Great Springs Project also allows for public feedback and surveys and has volunteer opportunities for anyone in the community. The organization can be contacted by email, through their website or mailing address.
According to the Great Springs Project Economic Benefits Report, the trail is said to have a large environmental and financial impact on the surrounding areas. The economic benefits come from recreational and local spending with rented bikes or e-bikes along the trail, along with hotels, restaurants and local shops. An estimated 1,200 people a year become active, reducing medical costs and resulting in about $2 million in healthcare savings. The Habitat Preservation, Flood Mitigation, Stormwater Management, Pollination Services and Water Quality protection will save an additional $19.2 million a year as well. The conservation and protection of the aquifer that comes with the completion of the trail will generate an estimated $55 million for the surrounding communities.
The connection of the four springs that the trail will go through is referred to as the “green corridor.” The trail has sections completed as they will connect with existing ones, such as the Violet Crown Trail in Austin. The trail is completely open to the public for hikers, bikers or pet owners. It allows people to travel between the 10 cities that the trail cuts through and visit the popular springs as well.
With the passing of HB 4230 the trail will run through multiple springs and cities, attempting conservation efforts of the surrounding flora and fauna. The organization, along with its sponsors, will continue to fund the project to reach its goal of completing the 100-mile trail.
