MERCEDES, Texas – The U.S. commissioner on the binational International Boundary & Water Commission will visit the Rio Grande Valley next week to discuss the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty.
Farmers and municipalities in the region have been urging the State Department to work harder to get Mexico to comply with the terms of the treaty and release water.
Commissioner Dr. Maria-Elena Giner will speak at the USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum Public Meeting in Mercedes on April 2.
“USIBWC Commissioner Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., will provide an update on the status of the Minute negotiations for the Rio Grande and what that means for bringing predictability and reliability to the Rio Grande,” says USIBWC’s press office.
In addition, USIBWC Hydrologist Adrian Cortez will provide an update on the recent implementation of a graphical data portal to share Commission data with stakeholders in the United States and Mexico.
“This overview will go over how to use the system and seek feedback from stakeholders on the type of information and data they would like to see included in the future,” says USIBWC’s press office.
And Dr. Apurba Borah, P.E., USIBWC Lead Hydraulic Engineer, will present an update of the USIBWC levee system in the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project.
“The presentation will include an update on levee accreditation, design, and construction in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. He will also discuss ongoing projects as well as speed bumps in FEMA levee accreditation,” the USIBWC press office states.
The public meeting will be held in person at:
IBWC Mercedes Field Office
325 Golf Course Road
Mercedes, TX 78570
Canales letter
Meanwhile, state Rep. Terry Canales has sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott requesting greater assistance from the governor to address what he calls the Lower Rio Grande Valley’s critical water challenges.
Specifically, Canales cited Texas Government Code Section 418.014. This gives a governor the ability to declare an emergency. Canales also cited Section 418.015. This gives a governor the ability to authorize the use of all available state resources.
“The Rio Grande Valley cannot continue to rely on luck to ensure there is enough water for our region’s farmers and residents. The time to act is now,” Canales said.
“Our area’s only path forward is greater collaboration on a regional approach to securing new water sources. This will require concerted effort and coordination among irrigation districts, water providers, and area leaders, and I believe that with the Governor’s support, we can work together to pave the way for a sustainable and secure water future for our region.”
As exclusively reported in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Rep. Canales urged the Valley’s leaders to make future water supply the No. 1 issue for the region.
Here is the Canales letter to Abbott:
March 27, 2024
The Honorable Greg Abbott
Governor of Texas
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711
Dear Governor Abbott,
I am writing to urgently request your assistance in addressing the critical water challenges currently faced by the Lower Rio Grande Valley, specifically concerning the imminent threat to our residents and our farmers. The situation has reached a point of crisis, and I believe a declaration of emergency is essential to mobilize the necessary resources and support for our community.
Under the authority vested in your office by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, please declare a state of disaster in our region and, pursuant to 418.017, authorize the use of all available resources of state government that are reasonably necessary to deal with this disaster.
As you are aware, Lower Rio Grande Valley farmers are running out of vital irrigation water. Compounding this issue is the alarming delay by Mexico in fulfilling its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, exacerbating the water shortage for our local farmers. We must find a means of applying pressure on Mexico to comply with the treaty and release the water owed to the United States. I kindly request your assistance in urging the United States State Department to enforce the treaty and ensure that Mexico fulfills its obligations promptly.
The consequences of the water scarcity in our region are already devastating. The recent closure of the only operating sugar mill in Texas after more than 50 years in business is a clear indication of the economic impact on our community. This closure has resulted in job losses and financial setbacks for our region, with agriculture contributing around $1 billion annually to our economy and providing approximately 8,400 full-time jobs. We are perilously close to losing a crucial economic pillar, and immediate action is imperative.
In our fast-growing region, development is beginning to slow due to current water supplies, with numerous communities lacking the water to service new commercial and residential customers. Recently, the city of Mission added an item to its council agenda that could put a moratorium on all new residential and commercial developments over 5 acres. Other communities across our area are facing similar challenges, which greatly endangers future development. If we don’t start turning the ship now, the Rio Grande Valley ultimately faces the threat of the taps running dry.
To address the long-term water challenges faced by the Rio Grande Valley, our only path forward is greater collaboration on a regional approach to securing new water sources. This will require concerted efforts and coordination among various stakeholders, and I believe that with your support, we can pave the way for a sustainable and secure water future for our community.
In light of the severity of the situation, I urgently request additional state resources to be allocated to address the immediate water needs of our community. The Lower Rio Grande Valley is in desperate need of assistance to prevent further economic losses and job layoffs. I trust that your swift action on this matter will make a significant difference in preserving the livelihoods of our residents and the economic well-being of our region.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response and support in resolving the water crisis facing the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Very truly yours,
Terry Canales
State Representative District 40
CC:
Maria-Elena Giner, Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IWBC)
Brooke Paup, Chairwomen of the Texas Water Development Board
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