Barges V. The City Of San Antonio

In this appeal, we must decide whether the City of San Antonio (the City) has authority to regulate navigation on the San Antonio River (the River) and whether the City may be held liable in tort for interfering with a private entity's operation of a commercial barge service on the River. We conclude that the River is a navigable stream that may be used and enjoyed by the public, but that the City may regulate navigation on the River to prevent endangering the public and jeopardizing the River's distinctive and sedate character. We also conclude that the City is immune from the tort claims asserted in this suit.