The San Antonio River Authority (SARA), created in 1937, is a river authority in the State of Texas. Its jurisdiction covers 3,658 square miles—all of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad Counties. In 1917, the voters of Texas passed a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to create river authorities, which are responsible for developing and conserving the state's water resources. The authorities are appointed by the state to serve regional areas, generally coincidental with river basins. This act was also a solution inspired by the problems brought by devastating floods of 1913 and 1914. SARA is governed by a 12-member board of directors. Six directors are elected from Bexar County and two are elected from each of the three other counties, with each elected member serving for six years. Policies established by the Board are executed by the management under the direction of a General Manager appointed by the organization. SARA has the statutory authority to impose an ad valorem tax for planning, operations and maintenance purposes only. Its tax is statutorily limited to two cents per $100 of assessed property valuation. The FY 2015-2016 ad valorem tax rate is set at $0.01729 per $100 assessed valuation and the amended 2017-2018 budget is $241.7 million.

Dams and reservoirs

SARA operates 13 dams in Karnes County and all 26 dams in Bexar County. SARA also provides project assistance in maintaining and improving the famed San Antonio River Walk.