“Recently, several of my constituents from Zapata County called my office about a letter they received from the International Boundary and Water Commission, stating they were illegally living on federally-owned property and had 180 days to remove their structures from the boundary line.

“Before the letter was sent to residents in Zapata, the IBWC surveyed what is known as the 307 boundary line near the Four Seasons Mobile Home and RV Resort. During that survey, the IBWC was made aware of people living beyond the boundary zone. That is when they notified residents, many of whom had bought their property decades ago and have been living on their properties since then.

“As a result, my office has been in contact with the IBWC, Zapata County officials and the affected residents to find solutions to this issue. Next week, the IBWC will host an informational meeting with the affected residents on Tuesday, November 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Zapata Community Center located at 605 N. US Hwy 83, to discuss possible solutions.  The IBWC has assured myself and my office that they are willing to work with these affected residents on a case-by-case basis.

“I thank Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell, Zapata County Commissioner Eddie Martinez, U.S. Commissioner of the IBWC, Edward Drusina, and  IBWC Principal Engineer Jose Nuñez, for their responsiveness and assistance on this issue.”