Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured nearly $147 million for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) in the Fiscal Year 2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs House appropriations bill. This is an increase of $36 million - or nearly 25% - over the previous year’s funding level. Presidential permits are required for construction projects at border crossings. Obtaining a permit currently requires an environmental review, which often takes years to complete. Rep. Cuellar’s language would direct the President to issue conditional permits for projects while environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) are ongoing.

In addition to this funding, Congressman Cuellar secured language directing the IBWC to work on the following projects:

• Improving the predictability and reliability of water deliveries to South Texas communities;
• Implementing the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project, which provides protection against floods for 920,000 Texans in Webb, Zapata, Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron Counties;
• Protecting South Texas communities from the release of effluent from Mexico;
• Reducing sediment levels and eradicating carrizo cane;
• Processing additional land management and grazing leases, licenses, and permits for South Texas cattle farms; and,
• Developing better water conservation practices and new sources of water. 

“The Rio Grande River is the lifeblood of South Texas. With prolonged droughts and concerns about maintaining enough water to support our communities, the need to secure our water is more pressing than ever. The IBWC helps ensure that the Rio Grande will remain a stable source of water,” said Congressman Cuellar, a senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The IBWC previously helped secure equipment to dredge Falcon Lake and ensure continued access to water for Zapata County and surrounding areas. I thank IBWC Commissioner Dr. Maria-Elena Giner for her important role in leading the organization, and I look forward to continuing our work together. Thank you to Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member Barbara Lee for working with me to deliver this important funding. I will continue to fight for secured access to water in our border communities.”

To view Congressman Cuellar’s remarks on increased funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission in the House Appropriations State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee markup, click here.

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