The San Saba Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), with technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and financial assistance from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) has recently completed maintenance work on nine flood control dams in San Saba County.

The 81st Texas Legislature appropriated funds to the TSSWCB for operation and maintenance and structural repair. The San Saba SWCD received $97,097.17 for fiscal year 2010 to assist with continued operation and maintenance work.

"This is a great example of local and state entities working together in cooperation," said San Saba SWCD board member C. K. Stevenson. "These structures prevent flood water from damaging property, homes and agricultural land. Without these dams functioning properly, severe loss of property and possibly loss of life would occur."

Twenty five flood control dams were constructed by NRCS more than 50 years ago in San Saba County. All the dams were built on private property with the understanding that private property owners would provide the land, the federal government would provide the engineering and construction services and local sponsors, such as SWCDs , counties, cities and Water Control and Improvement Districts would be responsible for maintenance and repairs.

For more information contact the San Saba SWCD at 325-372-5638 or visit http://www.tsswcb.state.tx.us/en/floodcontrol.