Waterloo Greenway, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Austin, and U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett Celebrate Significant Milestone for the WG Project with Completion of Biofiltration Pond in Phase II: The Confluence
On October 24, 2025, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Austin, and U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett celebrated a tremendous milestone for the Waterloo Greenway project – the completion of the Biofiltration Pond as part of the second phase, The Confluence. This achievement was made possible with monumental support by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The pond is now “online” and fully operational, improving water quality, removing trash and debris, and creating a more resilient ecosystem along Waller Creek and the broader downtown Austin area, treating 26.2 acres of urban stormwater. The feature captures water from the streets, sidewalks, and buildings surrounding the Austin Convention Center, and is the only one of its kind in the downtown area.
“We are so pleased to announce that this invaluable part of our project is now complete and is helping to improve the water quality of Waller Creek while serving as a beautiful, lush, green landscape just off 3rd Street,” said Waterloo Greenway CEO Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette. “We can’t wait to share this greenspace with Austin when Phase II: The Confluence opens in mid-2026.”
The newly completed Biofiltration Pond is a critical component of Waterloo Greenway Phase II: The Confluence. This transformative green infrastructure feature not only manages stormwater and improves water quality, but also enhances habitat for local wildlife and provides access to nature for our community. This milestone marks significant progress in the ongoing revitalization of Waller Creek and the broader Waterloo Greenway vision.
“With strong local public and private investments, backed by an important federal partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Biofiltration Pond represents a significant step forward in protecting Austin’s waterways and expanding green space in downtown,” said U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett. “Congratulations to Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and the City of Austin for reaching this important milestone in Phase II of this transformative project.”
Sedimentation biofiltration ponds are a type of stormwater management system that uses plants and other natural elements to filter pollutants and contaminants from stormwater runoff before it enters nearby waterways. These ponds are an important tool for improving water quality and reducing the impact of urban development on natural ecosystems. The Biofiltration Pond at The Confluence was created using minimally invasive construction techniques that allow for planting and the preservation of existing large shade trees and their critical root zones.
This feature was made possible with monumental support by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was the first infusion of federal funding for the Waterloo Greenway project. Due to Public Law 117-58, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dedicated $11 million to the restoration of Waller Creek, the first environmental infrastructure project to be approved in Texas under Section 5138 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.
“This partnership between the United States Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, and the City of Austin, is accomplishing significant improvements for stormwater management and environmental restoration in downtown Austin. The completion of the biofiltration pond is just one part of the Environmental Infrastructure investment within the City of Austin’s Waller Creek District,” said Col. Calvin A. Kroeger, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District commander.
Significant environmental restoration at The Confluence will recreate a thriving ecosystem, a resilient landscape, and clean and manage stormwater runoff. This partnership is the first Environmental Infrastructure project in the state of Texas for the United States Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District.
“It is inspiring to witness the environmental transformation unfolding along Waller Creek in downtown Austin,” said Austin Watershed Protection Director Jorge L. Morales. “The biofiltration pond will not only manage 26 acres of downtown stormwater more effectively, but also enhance aquatic habitats and create a greener, more inviting space that improves the quality of life for everyone who visits downtown.”
The Biofiltration Pond is part of Waterloo Greenway Phase II: The Confluence, located at the southernmost point of Waterloo Greenway. The Confluence sits at the cultural epicenter of Palm Park, Rainey Street Historic District, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, Convention Center, and Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
Opening of The Confluence is anticipated in mid-2026, representing the next step toward completing the entire 1.5-mile park system that will connect 15th Street to Lady Bird Lake. The opening of Waterloo Park and Moody Amphitheater in 2021 marked the first phase of Waterloo Greenway.
For more information, visit our website and follow Waterloo Greenway on Facebook and Instagram (@WaterlooGreenway).
ABOUT WATERLOO GREENWAY
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create and maintain an extraordinary urban park system and a restored Waller Creek, in partnership with the City of Austin, for the benefit of all. The Conservancy renews the natural environment, promotes play, health and wellness, economic vitality and mobility, and engages the community through outreach, education, cultural events, and the arts.
ABOUT AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION
Austin Parks and Recreation seeks to inspire the community to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. This City of Austin department protects and maintains parkland, urban forest, and trails as well as offering sports, recreation, educational enrichment, arts programs, cultural opportunities, and nature and aquatic activities for Austinites. For more information visit AustinTexas.gov/Parks and follow @AustinCityParks.
ABOUT AUSTIN WATERSHED PROTECTION
Austin Watershed Protection protects lives, property and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flood, erosion and water pollution. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed to learn more.