IBWC Officials Report Progress and Plans for Future Projects at Citizens’ Forum

Salinity Control and Flood Control Key Agenda Items

The International Boundary and Water Commission met with members of the public to lay out what the state and federal governments are doing to protect the citizens’ interests on both sides of the Rio Grande. The meeting took place Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at the USIBWC central offices just south of Mercedes.

The well-attended meeting drew a slate of commission members, officials and concerned citizens to listen and learn what the future holds for citizens directly affected by the vagaries and vicissitudes of the Rio Grande River–the life-blood of the Valley.

After welcoming those present and introducing dignitaries in the crowd and members of the press, Omar Rios, Citizens Forum CoChair, outlined the agenda for the meeting.. The program would focus on the Historical Resources along the lower Rio Grande Flood control project and what has been learned from the 2010 Rio Grande Flood. All this has a bearing on current conditions and preparedness he told the audience.

Carlos Pena, Principal Engineer, USIBWC, described how salinity and flood control became a problem with Mexico in the early 60s. An “understanding” was worked out with Mexico in 1965 which provides a solution for the salinity problem for both countries. The agreement resulted in a number of diversion structures, such as the Morillo Drain Project which skirts population areas and extends for 75 miles through Tamaulipas. Alfonzo Carmona, Ingeniero Civil from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, represented

Mexico’s continued interest in flood control for both sides of the Rio Grande.

Ramon Navarro, Civil Engineer USIBWC, explained to the group how USIBWC works hand-in-hand with FEMA in controlling floods and protecting populated areas of the Lower Rio Grande from possible catastrophic flooding. He updated the status of work on the 11.9 mile-long Los Indios to San Pedro levee project. Construction is also on schedule on the Progreso Levee project. “This levee strengthening project is 6 levee miles long and should be completed by year‘s end,” he said, adding, “there are several less ambitious projects in the works, but these are the most significant.”.

 

Navarro listed USIBWC projects in the works: 1. Edinburg Pump Levee rehabilitation; 2. Mercedes Railroad floodgate; 3. Sebastian Railroad floodgates; 4. Brownsville Railroad levee project; 5. Brownsville levee crack remediation near the bridge.

He recounted the accomplishments of the United States Section of the USIBWC: They include 274 miles of levee improvement and 23 certified projects submitted to FEMA.

“As always,” he said, “it’s a matter of money from the government. We have projects planned for the next several years. But, some depend on pending completion of work on Valley city and county projects.”

Arrangements are being made for the agenda and location of the next meeting of the LOWER RIO GRANDE CITIZENS FORUM of the United States International Boundary and Water Commission. The public will be notified and invited. For more information , call 956-565-3150.