Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $100,000 in federal funding for the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC). These funds, awarded by the Bureau of Reclamation through their Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP), will be used to form local solutions, among diverse stakeholders, in developing a Watershed Restoration Plan along the Rio Grande River.

“The Rio Grande is a significant environmental landmark and resource for all South Texas border communities” said Congressman Cuellar. “Not only is it a resource for individuals along the border, but it is also home to a variety of plants and wildlife. Groups like RGISC are continuously fighting to protect this beautiful river, its watershed, and surrounding environment. This critical funding will help RGISC continue their hard work in preserving the Rio Grande. I’d like to thank RGISC President Melissa Cigarroa, Executive Director Tricia Cortez, and the rest of RGISC board of directors and staff, for their leadership in addressing issues surrounding water management at the Rio Grande.”

President Melissa Cigarroa said, “For over 25 years, RGISC has worked to preserve and protect Laredo's only source of drinking water, the Rio Grande. These Watershed projects we implement today are vital to the health and welfare of tomorrow's families, which include our own children's children. Water is critical to life; here in drought-prone South Texas, we are called to act. With this grant, RGISC expands its capacity to holistically address its mission, so we are very grateful for Congressman Cuellar's support. He has proven to be a strong partner in addressing the needs of border communities, and we thank him for his assistance with our proposal."

This two-year project, slated to begin later this year, will consist of conducting literature reviews, geospatial analysis, and stakeholder input to prioritize watershed restoration strategies.

The Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and was charted by the state of Texas in 1994. RGISC was founded in response to concerns about the quality of the water supplied to communities in the lower Rio Grande basin; the organization is also committed to studying and providing science-based solutions to preserve the Rio Grande and its environmental heritage.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, the Rio Grande-Rio Bravo continues to rank as one of the 10 Most Endangered Rivers in the world.