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

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.  

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.

*A correction was made to this article to revise the statement included by SMRF.

More on Capes Dam:

• San Marcos City Council Takes Another Step Forward With Capes Dam Decision
• San Marcos City Council To Determine Scope Of Work For Capes Dam Study
• Frustrations Run High As Capes Dam Returns For Discussion Ahead Of Study
• San Marcos City Council Punts Capes Dam Further Down The Line Without New Study
• Letter: Capes Dam & Park, A Win-Win For The East Side