The U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission has scheduled a public meeting of the Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum for Nov. 16.
The online webinar will run from 3 to 5 p.m. and aims to promote an exchange of information between USIBWC and community members about the commission’s projects and related activities in the Lower RGV region.
U.S. Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner will provide an overview of the USIBWC budget process and appropriations. She will explain the federal budget process as it pertains to USIBWC, highlighting appropriations benefiting the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
The USIBWC’s local field office in Mercedes is responsible for operating and maintaining the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project, among other tasks.
In other business, USIBWC Civil Engineer Karla Benitez will discuss the commission’s Amistad Dam Safety Mitigation Plan. Amistad Dam, located on the Rio Grande at Del Rio, is the commission’s largest dam. With Falcon Dam, it provides water supplies, flood control, and recreational benefits to both the United States and Mexico.
Because of concerns associated with naturally-occurring sinkholes, Amistad Dam has been rated Urgent-Potentially Unsafe. Benitez will present the commission’s plan to address the problem.
To join the Teams Meeting follow this link at https://ibwc.gov/Citizens_Forums/CF_Lower_RG.html
At the link, click on “Join.” If you do not have Teams installed on the device you will use to attend the meeting, it will work through any internet browser.
Or you can join by phone by calling 915-320-4718 and enter the Conference ID: 399 603 197#
Use the same link to connect to the Citizens Forum page and look for the presentation links for upcoming meeting.
If you would like to speak during the public comment period, sign up ahead of time by contacting Sally Spener at [email protected] or calling 915-503-5542 by noon on Nov. 15.
