Zapata, TX—Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced the arrival of the necessary equipment to begin the dredging of Falcon Lake. The dredging of the lake will help ensure continued access to this critical water supply for the people of Zapata County and the surrounding areas. The project will begin at the Siesta Shores Water Control and Improvement District (WCID).

The area being dredged is the only source of water to the Siesta Shores WCID which services an estimate of 1,800-2,000 residents. The project will consist of removing approximately 6,000-8,000 cubic yards of sediment from the lake floor and will take roughly 2 weeks to complete.

“When Sheriff Del Bosque, Judge Rathmell, the commissioners, and the rest of the community reached out to me with pictures of what was happening at Falcon Lake, I knew it was imperative to seek immediate action,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I immediately contacted Commissioner Giner to see if bringing equipment to dredge Falcon Lake was a possibility, and after several discussions, we were able to secure this equipment from Arizona to come down to Zapata and begin the dredging process as soon as possible.”

Congressman Cuellar Continued: “This equipment will allow us to reset our lake’s ecosystem and help ensure that Falcon Lake has sufficient water to supply Zapata County and the surrounding areas for the foreseeable future. I want to thank Commissioner Giner and her team for making this extraordinary effort to bring this equipment to our community. I also want to thank Sheriff Del Bosque, Judge Rathmell, the Zapata County Commissioners, and the rest of the community for helping me monitor the situation and working with me to find a viable solution.”

“The USIBWC understands the challenges faced by the local stakeholders due to the historic drought conditions and as a solution-oriented agency is pleased that through federal parnerships is able to assist in ensuring their potable water supply at Falcon Lake,” said IBWC Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner.

“I want to thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for his efforts in securing equipment and the support from the international boundary and water commission, this equipment will help both siesta shores WCID and Zapata waterworks in dealing with the low water levels in Falcon lake due to the ongoing drought, dredging should commence within a short time to secure adequate water supplies for the residents of Zapata County, I also want to thank Henry for his efforts with USDA and other funding agencies to secure emergency funding for Zapata County. Thank you,” said Zapata County Judge Joseph Rathmell.

By removing the built-up sediment at the bottom of the lake, dredging will:  increase depth and water volume, restore stormwater detention capacity, eradicate debris and deep-rooted plants, remove nutrient-laden sediments, improve water quality and clarity, and help create a balanced ecosystem for aquatic plants and wildlife.

The county will assist the IBWC in their efforts to improve the lake’s condition.

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