San Marcos looks to Hays County for the future of Capes Dam

May 19, 2021

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Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

SAN MARCOS – During their Tuesday, May 18 meeting, the San Marcos City Council voted to approve an Interlocal Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of San Marcos and Hays County related to the Cape’s Dam Complex.

The lengthy argument over whether to remove Capes Dam, repair it, or preserve it as a historical landmark is ongoing, and the city of San Marcos is looking to the county to help resolve the ongoing issue.

The intention of the agreement is for the city and county to work together to find a solution for the Cape’s Dam natural area and accommodate public safety, environmental conservation, public safety, historic preservation, and public recreation.

“The purpose of this MOU is to provide a framework for collaboration and cost-sharing in regard to the proposed rehabilitation of the Cape’s Dam Complex,” Council wrote in the proposed agreement.

The San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF) supports the creation of an East Side Park, but does not support the rebuilding or repair of Cape’s Dam because of the negative impacts that it has to the river. SMRF’s mission is to preserve and protect the natural beauty, flow and purity of the San Marcos River.

“We hope that the city and county will agree that there can be a wonderful East Side Park without rebuilding a dam that diverts water away from the main river channel, which is particularly concerning in times of drought,” said Virginia Condie, Executive Director of SMRF. “Removal of the dam could lead to a healthier flowing river, and the mill race could then be used as a lovely trail for pedestrians underneath Cape Road, which both the city and county have agreed is a safety concern.”

The motion passed 5-2, with Councilmembers Maxfield Baker and Melissa Derrick voting against it.

Since the motion passed, the Hays County Commissioner’s Court will vote whether or not to approve the agreement on June 1.