Texas Border Business
The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) provides Notice of Availability and solicits public comment on a final Environmental Assessment (EA) that presents alternative methods to restore the capacity of the Arroyo Colorado in Harlingen, Texas to carry floodwaters.Â
The final EA presents alternatives to restore the capacity of the Arroyo Colorado over a 6.3-mile segment from Business 77 (Sunshine Strip) to Highway 574 (Cemetery Road) in Harlingen and Cameron County, Texas. The USIBWC has selected the Expanded Vegetation and Sediment Removal Alternative to restore the full flood capacity. An environmental impact statement will not be prepared unless additional information which may affect this decision is brought to USIBWC’s attention by November 5, 2020.
The final EA includes an analysis of what impacts these actions would have on the environment, including wildlife, cultural and water resources, land use, community resources, and environmental health and justice. As a result of this analysis, USIBWC has selected the Expanded Vegetation and Sediment Removal Alternative and completed a Finding of No Significant Impact. The final EA is available on the USIBWC website or click here. Â
The Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) was published in the Federal Register on Friday, October 2. An environmental impact statement will not be prepared unless additional information which may affect this decision is brought to the USIBWC’s attention. Public comments on this final EA are due by November 5, 2020 and should be submitted to Mr. Kelly Blough, Environmental Protection Specialist, via email at Kelly.Blough@ibwc.gov or via mail at Mr. Kelly Blough, International Boundary and Water Commission, 4191 N. Mesa, El Paso TX 79902.
Implementation of the selected alternative will not begin until the Final Environmental Assessment is completed, and the proper permits and funding have been secured.
For more information, contact Mr. Kelly Blough, Environmental Protection Specialist, 915-832-4734 or Kelly.Blough@ibwc.gov.
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