Texas Two Step or Zydeco Jig

Preserving Floodways, Promoting Fitness and Providing Alternative Transit Options in Texas and Louisiana

This session will focus on addressing the challenges of coordinating with multiple agencies for shared use of space in floodplains.

by Dan Jatres, Program Manager, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission, Brandon Ross, Special Projects Manager, City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department

This session will focus on addressing the challenges of coordinating with multiple agencies for shared use of space in floodplains. We'll discuss development of levee top trails in New Orleans, Louisiana and the acquisition of land along 3 major urban waterways to construct approximately 50 miles of trails in San Antonio, Texas. Learn how New Orleans has brought together disparate partners and created a model of levee top path development. Learn how San Antonio's Greenways Program is reaching a wide range of cultures and lifestyles through it's marketing effort for the trails and natural beauty of San Antonio's waterways.

About the Authors

Dan Jatres, an avid recreational bicyclist, began working in bicycle advocacy while attending Tulane University where he worked on the Campus Bicycle Transportation Improvement Plan, a NHTSA funded safety program and the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission’s (RPC) Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. In January 2007, he began working at the RPC as Program Manager of the Greater New Orleans Pedestrian & Bicycle Program. Dan serves on a variety of advisory committees, including the Louisiana Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, Louisiana Safe Routes to School Program, and the Tour de Jefferson Coordinating Committee.

Brandon Ross is a Special Projects Manager for the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. He currently manages the planning, land acquisitions, design, and construction of an 85-mile Greenway system along San Antonio’s major waterways. He has also worked on projects related to community planning, land use and residential development. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a Masters of Urban Planning from Texas A&M University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

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