Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum, April 2, 2024

The USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on April 2, 2024, at the Mercedes Field Office, Mercedes, Texas.

USIBWC Commissioner Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., provided 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.

USIBWC Hydrologist Adrian Cortez provided 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 went over how to use the system and sought feedback from stakeholders on the type of information and data they would like to see included in the future.

Dr. Apurba Borah, P.E., USIBWC Lead Hydraulic Engineer, presented an update of the USIBWC levee system in the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project. The presentation included an update on levee accreditation, design, and construction in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. He also discussed ongoing projects as well as speed bumps in FEMA levee accreditation.

Press release and presentations: combined press release with presentations

Video: https://youtu.be/DdzWke_nGXU

LOWER RIO GRANDE CITIZENS FORUM
Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. CDT.
IBWC Mercedes Field Office
325 Golf Course Road
Mercedes, TX 78570
And Via Teams

Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Specialist, USIBWC
• Update on Minute Negotiations – Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., Commissioner, USIBWC
• IBWC Stream Gaging Program and Water Data Portal for the Rio Grande River, Colorado River, and Tijuana River Basins – Adrian Cortez, Hydrologist, Water Accounting Division, USIBWC
• Update on Levee Improvement Projects in the Lower Rio Grande Valley – Dr. Apurba Bora, P.E., Lead Hydraulic Engineer, Engineering Services Division, USIBWC
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items