Presentation, Discussion, and Appropriate Action Regarding Authorization of International Travel to the Netherlands for Participation in a Dutch Flood Resilience Study Visit

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The San Antonio River Authority has been invited to participate in a flood resilience study visit to the Netherlands from October 5-10, 2026. The study visit is being organized by the Netherlands Business Support Office Texas and the Dutch Flood Resilience Solutions Partnership and is designed to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange between Dutch and United States water management professionals. The program will provide participants with an opportunity to engage directly with Dutch government agencies, research institutions, water management experts, and industry representatives to learn about leading practices in flood resilience, emergency response, climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure, and spatial planning. The Netherlands is internationally recognized for its innovative approaches to flood risk management and water resources planning. The current program includes visits to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Deltares, Flood Proof Holland, the Maeslant Barrier, the Water Management Centre Netherlands, and the Room for the River program. Participants will also examine regional approaches to flood resilience, emergency and crisis management, and lessons learned from the 2021 floods in Limburg. The study visit will provide valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, strengthen international partnerships, and identify best practices that may be applicable to projects and initiatives within the San Antonio River Authority's watershed. The cost of the trip, if approved by the board, is estimated at $7000.00.

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.4/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.