Asian American Resource Center
Public Meeting
Construction is starting this summer. Please join us for an online meeting over Zoom to meet the contractor and learn what to expect during construction.
- Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
- Register in advance or join the meeting
CIP ID: 5282.142
Project Overview
Called the Little Walnut Creek AARC/Rutherford Stormwater Improvements, this project is located in the large field behind the Asian American Resource Center at 8401 Cameron Road and in the concrete channel near the City of Austin Rutherford Campus at 1520 Rutherford Lane. The project will improve water quality in the Rutherford Tributary of Little Walnut Creek. Currently, the water quality is affected by high nutrient levels, poor stream habitat and erosion. The project includes:
- Expanding the existing biofiltration pond and adding a wetland area
- Adding a new stream and rain garden
- Changing the concrete channel to make it more natural
- Replacing concrete-lined side slopes with limestone blocks
- Installing vegetated concrete block matting
- Installing two pedestrian bridges over concrete channels, one near the AARC/Rutherford Campus parking lot and one near the board walk
- Adding trails, landscaping and a play area
In addition to improving water quality, the project will enhance the appearance of the resource center, add amenities, reduce flood risk, reduce erosion and increase wildlife habitat.
- Cost
$5.7 million
Funded by the Urban Watershed Structural Control Fund, the Drainage Utility Fund and general obligation bonds. - Work Hours
Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with occasional work on Saturdays.
- Timeline
Construction should begin in July 2026 and take about a year to complete.
North Austin, Council District 1
Project Map
The project is in the Little Walnut Creek watershed. The project is located on the grounds of the Asian American Resource Center and at the City of Austin's Rutherford Campus.
What to Expect During Construction
This is a major construction project. Please be patient while we work to improve the water quality in Little Walnut Creek.
Most construction will take place behind the Asian American Resource Center building in the large field between the resource center and Little Walnut Creek. Work will also take place along the bank of Little Walnut Creek. Construction access will be at the end of Clear Creek Drive. You may notice construction traffic, noise, dust, and vibration.
Things to Remember
- Please slow down around workers, obey all signage, and do not park in "No Parking" zones.
- Stay out of all fenced-off areas and keep child and pets away from construction sites and equipment.
- Trees
Trees are important to us, but we will need to remove many trees in the large field behind the resource center to complete this project. We are not removing any heritage trees. We'll be planting new trees and native vegetation as part of this project.
- Rutherford Campus
At the City of Austin Rutherford Campus, please expect:
- Reduced parking in the Rutherford Campus parking lot that will impact food truck inspection and Austin Police Department.
- Removal of electric poles next to the Austin Police parking lot.
Key Contact
- Oscar Coronado, P.E., Project Manager, 512-974-7266
- Lee Sherman, P.E., Project Sponsor, 512-974-6555
Want to Know More?
This is a water quality project. We design, build and evaluate engineered systems to reduce pollution in our creeks, lakes and aquifers.
The mission of the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) is to create a space of belonging and healing for Asian American communities in Austin and beyond.
We will be working in drainage easements. Some easements provide space for water to flow. Some allow us to install, access, and maintain pipes and other infrastructure.
A rain garden is a low area that absorbs and filters rainwater runoff that comes from roofs, sidewalks, and driveways.
Explore this interactive map to see what area drains to West Bouldin Creek and other Austin watersheds.
This is a water quality project. We design, build and evaluate engineered systems to reduce pollution in our creeks, lakes and aquifers.
The mission of the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) is to create a space of belonging and healing for Asian American communities in Austin and beyond.
We will be working in drainage easements. Some easements provide space for water to flow. Some allow us to install, access, and maintain pipes and other infrastructure.
A rain garden is a low area that absorbs and filters rainwater runoff that comes from roofs, sidewalks, and driveways.
Explore this interactive map to see what area drains to West Bouldin Creek and other Austin watersheds.