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Washington, DC—U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA) for flood risk management, invasive species mitigation, and harmful algae bloom protection in the Rio Grande River basin in Texas.

Specifically, the language authorizes an Army Corps study related to flood protection projects for Webb, Zapata, and Starr counties to mitigate flooding events that disproportionately impact economically disadvantaged communities and address critical health and safety concerns. 

It adds hydrilla as an invasive species to be researched, managed, and eradicated under USACE’s Aquatic Invasive Species Research Program to prevent it from restricting native plant growth and hindering water flow. Cuellar also included the Rio Grande River basin in the Harmful Algal Bloom Demonstration Program to protect the area from toxic algal blooms, which have previously been responsible for widespread fish kills in the region and could flare up given high temperatures and low flows.

“The Water Resources Development Act is bipartisan legislation to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities for flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration. As a representative of communities along the Rio Grande River, it is essential that we ensure our homes are safe and secure from floods and invasive species that are harmful to our native plants and water flow,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I look forward to passing WRDA in an expeditious manner so that the Army Corps of Engineers can continue protecting our neighborhoods from harmful environmental effects.” 

WRDA authorizes critical investments in our ports, harbors and inland waterways; helps builds more resilient communities; and ensures that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers carries out projects in an economically and environmentally responsible manner. The legislation is traditionally passed every two years.

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