Making Connections

San Antonio opens nation's largest land bridge for people and wildlife

The bridge is officially open to the public.

Courtesy rendering

A very special public (and animal!) works project is now open in the Alamo City. Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge, the United States' largest wildlife crossing, opened in Northwest San Antonio on December 11.

At 1 pm on Friday, officials lifted construction barriers on the new land bridge, which connects two previously divided halves of the 330-acre Phil Hardberger Park. The bridge's location helps reclaim natural habitat above Wurzbach Parkway, and its design helps pedestrians and wildlife move freely — and safely — between the two portions of the park.

If you've seen that viral video of a new wildlife bridge in Utah that has been making the rounds on the internet, then you're aware of the land bridge trend. But more than that, these innovative structures help ease wildlife-related crashes and help reconnect fractured habitats in an increasingly urban world.

In San Antonio, the Tobin Land Bridge will also serve as a living classroom and community space.

“For many years, the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge was only a dream. Thanks to overwhelming community support of the 2017 Bond, the generosity of donors from across the city and the hard work and dedication of so many, the vision is now a reality,” said former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger, who celebrated the bridge's opening.

As Hardberger mentioned, the bridge was a public-private endeavor, funded through both donations and the portion approved by voters as part of the 2017-2022 bond package.

Due to COVID-19, no formal ceremonies will take place, but officials caution big crowds during opening weekend. If you just can't wait to traipse over the bridge, please wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

To enter the bridge, humans can use the Military park entrance at 8400 NW Military Hwy. via the Savanna Loop trail or from the Blanco Road entrance 13203 Blanco Rd. via the Water Loop trail. (Wildlife may enter where they please.) The shortest trail is a half-mile, so be prepared to walk at least 1 mile, if not more.

Hours of operation are daily, from sunrise to sunset.

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Drop the Debt

Students of families making under $100,000 will get free tuition to UT

University of Texas at San Antonio/Instagram

This is an extension of a previous program with a lower income eligibility.

Beginning next fall, some students accepted into schools within the University of Texas system will receive free tuition and have all fees waived, the board of regents announced on Wednesday.

In order to qualify, families of undergraduates must make less than $100,000 a year.

The board gave preliminary approval to the plan on Wednesday. After the full board’s consideration and vote on Thursday, the plan will include a new, immediate infusion of $35 million directly to campuses to offer the financial aid benefit. The plan also directs additional investment in endowments supporting financial aid to ensure a commitment for tuition relief.

In 2019, the regents established a $167 million endowment at UT Austin to completely cover tuition and mandatory fees for in-state undergraduate students from families with an income of up to $65,000. In 2022, the regents approved a second endowment of almost $300 million called “Promise Plus” to extend the program to all UT academic institutions.

“To be in a position to make sure our students can attend a UT institution without accruing more debt is very important to all of us [...]” Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the board of regents, said.

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

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