Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) released the following statement after Mexico and the International Boundary Water Commission approved a release of water from the La Fragua Dam to communities of South Texas:

“This evening I was encouraged by Mexico’s first step of water delivery in line with the Treaty on the Utilization of Waters to the United States.  While we’re unsure of the impact this water release will have on water security for our communities and where Mexico stands in relation to the terms of the Treaty, I’m thankful to the Mexican government for this good faith effort and actively working with the United States to solve the water availability crisis near our international border.  I also want to thank Congressmen Filemon Vela, Ruben Hinojosa, Pete Gallego, and Beto O’Rourke for working together as a team on behalf of all of South Texas.  I will be traveling to Mexico this weekend to discuss these terms further, and to work on a long term solution with Mexican officials that strengthens the partnership between the United States and Mexico.  In the future, I look forward to hosting discussing in my home town of Laredo, TX in forming a permanent water management plan between the two nations.”

Earlier this week Congressman Cuellar placed a request to Mexican Ambassador Eduardo Medina-Mora regarding immediate assistance to south Texas communities and a meeting of all stakeholders in Laredo, Texas (attached). In addition, Cuellar requested assistance with the south Texas delegation from Under Secretary Jacobson in a letter that was sent on March 19, 2013.