Texas Border Business
WESLACO, Texas – This morning, the four County Judges of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) launched the Advisory Committee for the RGV Water Management Study supported by the North American Development Bank (NADBank). The committee, composed of technical experts and key water users from Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties, will provide guidance to the County Judges’ Steering Committee on strategic planning, operational coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Their work will help identify infrastructure projects that advance water diversification and conservation throughout the Valley.
The meeting was presided over by Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez, Cameron County Deputy County Administrator Dan Serna, and Salvador Lopez, NADBank Chief Environmental Officer.
“Water is the foundation of our region’s economy, public health, and quality of life,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “By bringing together technical experts, water users, and regional leaders, this Advisory Committee will help us move beyond short-term fixes and toward long-term, sustainable solutions that protect the Rio Grande Valley’s future.”
“Securing the Rio Grande Valley’s water future requires all of us rowing in the same direction. This Advisory Committee brings together the expertise and regional cooperation needed to identify real, long-term solutions. Cameron County is proud to work alongside our neighboring counties and NADBank to ensure that families, farmers, and businesses have the reliable water supply they deserve for generations to come”, stated Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
During the meeting, the Advisory Committee members were introduced followed by a presentation on their roles and responsibilities. The committee was also provided an update on the results of the first phase of the study including its Governance Plan, which is an essential element for the success of the study by supporting regional collaboration, building momentum, and fostering trust.
“This collaborative study between the four Rio Grande Valley County Judges and NADBank will ensure that all relevant voices in the region are engaged in identifying solutions to ensure water supplies for future growth and to increase the region’s ability to withstand droughts,” stated Salvador Lopez. He added, “NADBank is pleased to support this important study through grant resources from its Technical Assistance Program, which will help guide future critical projects to secure the region’s water supply”.
Members of the Advisory Committee include the Cities of Raymondville, Rio Grande City, Brownsville, McAllen, Roma, Los Fresnos, and Donna; the water supply corporations of East Rio Hondo, North Alamo and Sharyland; the flood control/ stormwater districts of Cameron County Drainage District #5, Hidalgo County Drainage District #1, Starr County Drainage System and Willacy County Drainage District #2; the irrigation districts (ID) of Lower Rio Valley ID Managers Association, Cameron ID #2, Delka Lake ID and Hidalgo County ID #6; as well as groundwater conservation districts of Red Sand, Texas International Produce Association and Texas Farm Bureau District 13, the Lower Rio Grande Development Council and the RGV Partnership.
The North American Development Bank is a binational financial institution that supports environmental infrastructure projects along the U.S.-Mexico Border. By promoting investments in water, clean energy and other critical sectors, NADBank works to improve the quality of life in border communities and advance sustainable economic growth throughout the region. www.nadbank.org
Information source: North American Development Bank (NADBank)
