Rio Grande International Study Center 

1 West End Washington St 

Laredo, Texas 78040 

Tricia Cortez 

Executive Director 

tricia@rgisc.org 

(956) 718-1063 

Watershedrestorationplanning

forLaredoandupstreamaffected

stakeholders
I. Executive summary ............................................ .......... .......... .......... .......... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .... 1 

II. Background data .......................................................................................................................... 1 

Ill. Project location ......................................................................................................................... 2 

IV. Technical project description and milestones ...................................................................... 3 

Applicant Category and Eligibility ................................................................................................. 3 

Goals .................................................................................................................................................. 4 

Approach .......................................................................................................................................... 5 

V. Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................................ 6 

E.1.1. Evaluat ion Criterion A- Watershed Group Diversity and Geographic Scope ............... 6 

Sub-criterion No. A 1. Watershed Group Diversity ................................................................... 6 

Sub-criterion No. A2. Geographic Scope .................................................................................. 9 

E.1.2. Evaluation Criterion B - Addressing Critical Watershed Needs .................................. 10 

Sub-criterion No. B 1. Critical Watershed Needs or Issues ................................................... 10 

Sub-criterion No. B2. Developing Strategies to Address Critical Watershed Needs or 

Issues .......................................................................................................................................... 13 

E.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C- Implementation and Results .................................................... 14 

Sub-criterion No. C1-Understanding of and Ability to Meet Program Requirements ..... 14 

Sub-criterion No. C2-Building on Relevant Federal, State, or Regional Planning Effo rts 16 

E.1.4. Evaluat io n Criterion D- Department of t he Interior Priorit ies ( 10 points) ................... 18 

VI. Project budget ....................................................................................................................... 19 

Budget proposal ........................................................................................................................... 19 

Budget narrative ............................................................................................................................ 20 

Funding plan and letter of commitment .................................................................................... 21 

VII. Environmental and cultural resources compliance ........................................................... 21 

VIII. Required permits or approvals ............................................................................................ 2 1 

IX. Official resolution .................................................................................................................. 2 1 

Appendix: Letters of commitment and support ............................................................................ 22 

Table of Contents 
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 

Rio Grande International Study Center 

Laredo, Webb County, Texas 

The purpose of the project is to engage diverse affected stakeholders to develop a 

Watershed Restoration Plan focused on Laredo, Texas and upstream stakeholders along the 

Rio Grande. Funds will be used to conduct literature reviews, produce geospatial analysis, 

interview affected stakeholders, and convene stakeholders to discuss and prioritize 

watershed restoration strategies. The activities performed under this proposal will primarily 

involve watershed restoration planning (Task B), though critical watershed group 

development (Task A) activities will take place. The project is a two-year project that will end 

in June 2022. The watershed project area includes federal facilities such as international 

bridges. 

The San Ambrosia - Santa Isabel watershed is a portion ofthe Rio Grande Basin in South 

Texas, stretching from Maverick County (south of Amistad Reservoir) passing through the 

southwestern edge of Dimmitt County, and to the southern tip of Webb County. The 

watershed is formed by land in both the U.S. and Mexico. The City of Eagle Pass in Maverick 

County has a population of nearly 30,000,1 and its sister-city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, 

Mexico has a population of approximately 150,000.2 In the southern portion of the 

watershed, the City of Laredo, Texas has a population of more than 260,000, and its sistercity of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico has a population of nearly 375,000. 

The Rio Grande is the only source of drinking water for border cities like these, located along 

the river. Water rights are known to be over allocated among various users including 

municipal, irrigation, and manufacturing among others, which has caused the Rio Grande to 

rank as one of the ten most endangered rivers in the World. 3 Water availability is a key 

concern because of this overallocation and drought. Conflicts over water deliveries between 

the U.S. and Mexico have made watershed management a challenge. 

Water quality is also a major concern for Laredo and other cities that rely on the Rio Grande. 

Bacteria levels of E.coli stemming from millions of gallons of daily raw sewer discharges from 

Mexican cities have been found to exceed maximum contaminant limits on a regular basis. 

Meanwhile, persistently low levels of chlorine residuals in tap water led to a recent boil water 

1 U.S. Census Burea u. 2017 estimates. 

2 INEGI. 2010. https://www.inegi.org.mx/ 

3 Wong, C., Williams, C., Pittock, J., Collier, U., & Schelle, P. (2007). World's top 10 rivers at risk. Gland, 

Switzerl and. 

I. Executive summary 

II. Background data 
notice in Laredo and remain a concern, as well as disinfection byproducts.4 Limited water 

quality data is available in this portion ofthe watershed and testing for heavy metals has all 

but disappeared throughout the Texas portion of the Rio Grande river basin. 

In Webb County, the Rio Grande is home to several endangered and threatened mussel 

species, mammals and birds. A fast-growing population, rampant development along the 

river and its creeksheds, poor water quality, invasive species, and toxicity are issues affecting 

these species. 

Federal, state, regional, and international studies and plans have not fully addressed this area 

of the Rio Grande watershed, and RGISC's anticipation is that engaging the watershed at the 

8-digit HUC scale will be the appropriate level at which to achieve results for our region. 

4 City of Laredo. (2018). 2017 Water Quality Report. Retrieved from : 

https:/ /www.cityoflaredo.com/uti I iti es/assets/2017 -ccr-report.pdf 

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III. Project location 

The project will take place in the San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel watershed (8-digit HUC 

13080002), along the Rio Grande - Rio Bravo. The watershed is primarily located in Maverick 

and Webb Counties, and includes a portion of Dimmit County. Major cities in the watershed 

include Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico in southern Webb County. In 

the northern part ofthe watershed, Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico 

are affected stakeholders. 

Figure 1 Boundaries of the San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel Watershed (8-digit HUC 13080002) 
RGISC's mission is to preserve and protect the Rio Grande-Rio Bravo, its watershed and 

environment, through awareness, advocacy, research, education, stewardship and bi-national 

collaboration for the benefit of present and future generations. 

RGISC is a 501 c3 non-profit organization eligible for this grant opportunity and has promoted 

sustainable use of Rio Grande water resources for more than 25 years. As a communitybased advocacy organization in Laredo, Texas, RGISC and its members are significantly 

affected by the quality and quantity of water in the -Rio Grande watershed, as the Rio Grande 

serves as RGISC's only source of drinking water. 

RGISC is seeking funding as a "New Watershed Group," because no such entity exists in 

Laredo or in the watershed upstream of Laredo.5 There is no groundwater management 

district, 6 or river authority that pertains to Laredo. RGISC, meanwhile, has completed little or 

no watershed restoration planning or projects, and requires more substantial support for 

building its capacity to undertake this type of critical work, and to establish a watershed 

group and complete outreach to stakeholders. 

RGISC was established in 1994 by citizens from Laredo and Nuevo Laredo in response to the 

deteriorating water quality in the Rio Grande, our only source of drinking water. Since its 

inception, RGISC has filled an important role as an environmental educator, thought leader, 

and convening organization in the community, engaging citizens, government entities, and 

industrial water users to care for the local watershed. Some highlights of RGISC's 

achievements include the following: 

Coordinates the annual student water testing event called the Rio Research Roundup 

along the entire 1,885-mile Rio Grande basin for the past 10 years, involving nearly 

2,500 students annually from both sides of the river. 

Led the establishment of the river monitoring program for Webb and Zapata counties 

in the mid-1990s and for the past 25 years has conducted monthly water quality 

testing through what is now the Texas Clean Rivers Program. 

Prevented aerial spraying of herbicides along the Rio Grande by the U.S. Border 

Patrol, protecting people, wildlife and ecosystems living along the riverbanks, by 

mobilizing a community group called Barrio de Colores which ended in a settlement 

that prohibits the federal government from conducting any aerial spraying along 16.1 

Laredo river miles, in perpetuity. 

Successfully mobilized the small historic community of San Ygnacio, Texas to defeat a 

permit for a "land farm" where oil and gas waste sludge would be disposed in a 100-

year floodplain, 1 mile from the community's only water intake pump at the Rio 

Grande. 

5 The Rio Grande Regional Water Authority focuses primarily on counties downstream of Laredo and 

has traditionally excluded the City of Laredo. See rgrwa.org 

6 Texas Water Development Board. (2019). Groundwater Conservation Districts of Texas. 

http://www.twdb.texas.gov/mapping/doc/maps/GCDs_8x11.pdf 

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IV. Technical project description and milestones 

Applicant Category and Eligibility 

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Campaigned for and helped craft the City of Laredo's first set of environmental 

ordinances: hazardous materials, illegal dumping, green spaces preservation, and 

single-use plastic bag ban. 

Conceptualized and secured $500,000 in seed money to construct and operate the 

Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center, now managed by Laredo 

College. 

Earned the Texas Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence in 1995. 

Ongoing activities include: 

Monthly testing of Rio Grande water quality. 

Coordination with Mexican agencies in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas to address the 

ongoing daily discharge of 6 million gallons of untreated wastewater into the Rio 

Grande. 

Protecting green spaces and wetland habitats. 

Reducing single-use plastic pollution in the Rio Grande. 

Coordinating the annual Rio Research Roundup. 

Rapid response on issues that involve addressing illegal business practices that create 

blockages of creeks and tributaries of the Rio Grande in our region. 

Establishing Laredo's first natural landmarks to incentivize ecotourism. 

Coordinating the annual Laredo Birding Festival, in partnership with the Monte Mucha 

Audubon Society and Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

Collaborating with the U.S. Geological Survey on a proposal to have real-time river 

sensors installed in Webb and Zapata counties. 

Organizing regular hikes along the river and nature trails, as well as community 

paddles along the river that now entail up to 75 people for these paddling events. 

Construction of large-scale Monarch and pollinator gardens at several targeted areas 

across the City. 

Working with the City of Laredo on a lease to develop and establish interactive 

educational programs at the upcoming South Laredo (Sola) Nature & Birding Center. 

Working with the North American Development Bank on a 2020 project to assess and 

mitigate diesel emissions from some ofthe 14,000 diesel trucks that cross through 

Laredo each day. 

These past achievements and ongoing activities demonstrate that RGISC is capable of 

promoting the sustainable use of water resources and meets the eligi bility criteria for a New 

Watershed Group. 

RGISC's goal is to d evelop a scientifically grounded, data-driven watershed management 

plan under an adaptive management framework for w atershed restoration in the San 

Ambrosia-Santa Isabel Watershed of the Rio Grande. Building on our 25-year history of 

protecting the Rio Grande watershed, extensive research completed by U.S. and Mexican 

government agencies, and numerous academic studies, we aim to convene stakeholders and 

water management entities to identify and prioritize solutions to persistent problems and 

future challenges, and estimate funding requirements for restoring the watershed. 

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Goals 
RGISC's overarching objectives are to implement a multi-year project to understand how to 

use the Laredo landscape to better handle both flooding and drought, consequently 

improving water quality, groundwater replenishment, and habitat. Investigation would 

identify historic Laredo landscape and soils, former arroyos, tributaries, and wetlands, and 

show how development since 1800 has compromised their effectiveness. The purpose of the 

New Watershed Group will be to develop relationships between stakeholders, and establish 

a plan to increase flooding and drought resilience, increase wildlife habitat, establish 

essential boundaries for land and water development and redevelopment in the watershed 

that seeks to create more harmony between development and nature, and that can better 

prepare the region for the impacts of climate change now and in the future. 

Approach 

RGISC will pursue a three-phase approach for developing a new watershed group and a 

watershed restoration plan for the Rio Grande-Rio Bravo watershed in Webb County. 

• In Phase I, RGISC plans to synthesize information from available research and 

conduct one-on-one interviews with relevant stakeholders, clearly delineating 

watershed restoration objectives and needs. 

• In Phase II, RGISC will host a series of meetings for stakeholders to collaboratively 

review the synthesis information and identify and prioritize watershed 

management projects. 

• In Phase Ill, RGISC will produce a summary report available to project participants 

and the public detailing key objectives and priority projects for the watershed. 

This approach will primarily address Task B - Watershed Restoration Planning described 

in Section C.3.1. Eligible Projects. The following activities under Task B eligible projects 

will take place: 

• Dev e lop a wate rshed restoration plan 

• Conduct mapping and other technical analyses. 

• Obtain software technology required to formulate the watershed restoration plan. 

• Interview watershed group members and stakeholders to gain an idea of projects 

that would improve the watershed. 

• Work with watershed group members, landowners, Federal agencies, and state or 

local governments to determine how the watershed can be improved. 

• Review watershed-specific best management practices established by Federal, 

state, and local government agencies. 

• Develop general watershed management project concepts o r performing an 

analysis of the watershed to identify and prioritize watershed management 

projects. 

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V. Evaluation Criteria 

E.1.1. Evaluation Criterion A—Watershed Group Diversity and Geographic 

Scope 

Sub-criterion No. A1. Watershed Group Diversity 

Federal 

U.S. and Mexican agencies manage water rights and data on water quality across the 

international boundary including the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission 

(IBWC) and their Mexican counterpart Comisi6n Internacional de Umites y Aguas Entre 

Mexico y Estados Unidos (CILA). 

• Both IBWC and CILA have been invited to participate, plan to engage with this project 

and have written letters of support for this proposal. 

U.S. Geological Survey has worked with RGISC to access relevant data on instream flows and 

water quality, and develop a project to install real-time river sensors, and will also be invited 

to participate. 

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) represents the entire geographic area of the San 

Ambrosia-Santa Isabel watershed in the U.S. and has written a letter of support for this 

proposal. 

Academic 

Laredo College is located along the river front and is home to the Lamar Vergara 

Environmental Science Center. 

• RGISC will invite Laredo College to engage, both as a landowner along the river, and 

from an academic perspective. 

Municipal and County 

People living in cities along the Rio Grande depend primarily on the Rio Grande for their 

municipal water supply. 

• The City of Laredo water utility must treat water from the Rio Grande to control 

bacteria levels, which are frequently high due to discharge of raw sewage from 

sources in Mexico. The City of Laredo Environmental Services Department plans to 

engage with the project and has written a letter of support for this proposal. RGISC 

also plans to bring in other relevant departments with whom it has established 

working partnerships, including Planning, Utilities, Parks, Engineering, Bridge, and 

Economic Development. 

• RGISC also plans to invite Rio Bravo and El Cenizo, small incorporated towns in 

southern Webb County, which were once colonias -impoverished housing 

developments often lacking basic infrastructure such as roads, potable water, and 

electricity. 7 

7 Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. (2015). Las Colonias in the 2P1 Century. Retrieved from : 

https://www.dallasfed.org/-/media/documents/cd/pubs/lascolonias.pdf 
RGISC has reached out to the Webb County Drainage District, which has expressed 

interest in participating in this project. 

Webb County Judge Tano E. Tijerina has written a letter of support for this 

proposal and plans to participate in group meetings. 

Crane Engineering, a stakeholder in the Webb County Drainage District and 

Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE), has written a letter of support 

for this proposal and plans to participate in group meetings. 

RGISC will also invite key representatives from Maverick and Dimmit Counties, 

including the cities of Eagle Pass, Texas and El Indio, Texas. 

To the extent possible, RGISC will reach out to key stakeholders in Piedras Negras, 

Coahuila, Mexico (sister city to Eagle Pass, Texas), and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, 

Mexico (sister city to Laredo, Texas). 

People living along the banks of the Rio Grande in Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, 

Tamaulipas, Mexico have been threatened by the possible aerial spraying of herbicides by 

the U.S. Border Patrol in an effort to control the invasive Carrizo Cane. 

U.S. Border Patrol has made commitments to collaborate with RGISC environmental 

stakeholders on managing invasive Carrizo Cane along the riverbanks, and RGISC will 

invite their representatives to participate as a stakeholder. 

Neighborhood groups or associations located along the riverbanks will also be 

invited. RGISC already has relationships with some residents involved with the La Bota 

Ranch neighborhood association. 

Land developers must comply with the city's Green Spaces Preservation Ordinance, which 

requires buffers to protect streams, wetlands and floodplains. Laredo Builders Association 

will be invited to represent this demographic. 

Industrial manufacturing facilities are significant water users along the river in Webb and 

Maverick Counties. 8 

Warehouses and trucking are potential sources of non-point source water pollution. Laredo 

is the nation's largest port of entry, where nearly 14,000 trucks per day cross the international 

bridges.9 Trade associations representing these industries will be invited to participate. 

Oil and gas operators conducting drilling and hydraulic fracturing withdraw from city water. 

Occasionally, illegal dumping of oil and gas waste in the river and its tributaries has been 

reported. During the most recent oil and gas boom in 2011, open-top dump trucks hauling 

sludge down Interstate 35 frequently spilled sludge waste from oil and gas sites at a stop 

light near the International Bridge, within1⁄4 mile of the River. Trade associations and local 

operators will be invited to participate in the project. 

8 lWDB. (2017). Texas State Water Plan. Retrieved from: 

https://2017.texasstatewaterplan.org/county/Webb 

9 Mexico News Daily. April 4, 2019. At some crossings, wait times up to 12 hours, 15-kilometer truck 

lines. Retrieved from: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/wait-times-up-to-12-hours/ 

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Commercial and Industrial 
Talen Energy operates a natural gas power plant in Laredo, Texas, which uses surface water 

for cooling. RGISC will conduct outreach to invite Talen Energy to stakeholder discussions. 

Small business 

Cattle ranchers & other agricultural businesses are common in Webb, Maverick, and 

Dimmit Counties. 

• RGISC will locate key ranchers and businesses in this sector and invite them to 

pa rti ci pate. 

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and local offices ofthe State Soil and 

Water Conservation Districts will be invited to participate. 

Public interests 

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts use the river for recreation, including kayaking, hiking along 

nature trails, observing wildlife, practicing plant identification, and more. 

• RGISC members attend nature hikes, and kayaking events organized by RGISC. 

Hunting and fishing enthusiasts depend on a healthy river to provide habitat, and secure 

groundwater for providing water for deer. 

• RGISC has partnered with Ducks Unlimited in the past, on a Muscovy Duck restoration 

project, and will invite them to participate. 

Birders and tourists attend RGISC's annual Laredo Birding Festival during the spring 

migration, and enjoy bird watching year-round, being geographically located along a major 

migratory bird corridor, and in the northernmost range of where many Central and South 

American birds appear in the U.S. 

• RGISC already partners with the Monte Mucho Audubon Society and Laredo 

Convention and Visitors Bureau to coordinate the annual Laredo Birding Festival, 

which features partnerships with roughly two dozen area ranches. They will be invited 

to participate. 

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Nov. 13, 2019 

VP Environmental 

NAO 1983 

Coabuila 

80 Miles 

. S, COAMAV RICK C O UNTY 

Eagle Pass[ TX 

El Ind o, TX 

• DIMMIT C O UNTY 

Nm•vo Leon 

N 

Legend 

--Rio Grande - Rio Bravo 

San Ambrosia - Santa Isabel Watershed 

- Laredo City Limits 

Mexican Municipality Boundaries 

Affected U.S. Counties 

c::J Texas Counties 

Mexican States 

9 

Sub-criterion No. A2. Geographic Scope 

RGISC plans to invite stakeholder groups representing the entire extent of the San AmbrosiaSanta Isabel watershed (Fig. 2), as listed above. In order to ensure that stakeholders in the 

entire extent of the watershed are included, RGISC will reach out to key representatives in 

Laredo as well as stakeholders both upstream and downstream of Laredo, and inland from 

the Rio Grande. 

Figure 2 Map of the San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel watershed 
10 

E.1.2. Evaluation Criterion B — Addressing Critical Watershed Needs 

Sub-criterion No. B1. Critical Watershed Needs or Issues 

In Laredo, the Rio Grande watershed is experiencing several negative impacts that affect 

water availability, water quality, and wildlife habitats. Water availability stressors include 

overallocation of water rights and drought exacerbated by climate change. Water quality 

and wildlife habitat stressors include 6 million gallons of daily raw sewage effluent from 

Mexico, invasive species such as Arundo donax and Tamarix, extreme flooding, poor land 

development practices, herbicide use, illegal dumping, and urban stormwater runoff that 

includes pollution from oil and gas development and single-use plastics. 

Water availability 

Rio Grande is our Laredo's only source of drinking water. The Laredo area is an understudied 

and highly stressed portion of the Rio Grande in a semi-arid region. 10 The river has been 

ranked as one of the world's most endangered rivers because of insufficient water to meet 

demand - basin wide, primarily attributed to irrigation withdrawals, dams, invasive species, 

and drought. 11 Laredo is one ofthe fastest growing cities in Texas and the country, 12 and is 

expected to grow 80% from 2016 to 2046.13 

Water rights are known to be overallocated along the Rio Grande, in part because the climate 

was wetter at the time the rights were initially allocated. 14 Conflicts over water exist among 

user types and regions, both domestically and internationally. The City of San Antonio, Texas 

recently purchased water rights from Val Verde County, upstream of Laredo, causing concern 

over Laredo's water flows. 15 The U.S. and Mexico have had a treaty establishing water 

allocations and sharing for the Rio Grande since 1944, but in recent years Mexico had not 

made sufficient water deliveries to the U.S. in a given year, 16 potentially because of drought, 17 

causing some U.S. lawmakers to urge federal action to reduce water deliveries to Mexico 

10 Note that the City of Laredo opted out of the 2011 Lower Rio Grande Basin Study by U.S. Bureau of 

Reclamation and Rio Grande Regional Water Authority. 

11 Wong, CM, Williams, CE, Pittock, J, Collier, U and P Schelle. March 2007. World's top 10 rivers at 

risk. WWF International. Gland, Switzerland. Retrieved from: 

https:/ /www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2007-01 /worldstop 1 0riversatrisk.pdf 

12 Wallethub, cited in Thorpe, J. Oct. 4, 2018. Report: Laredo among fastest growing cities in the 

nation. Laredo Morning Times. https://www.chron.com/local/article/Report-Laredo-among-fastestgrowing-cities-in-13281011.php 

13 Wallace, J. May 20, 2017. Laredo one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., according to 

IHS Markit. Laredo Morning Times. https://www.lmtonline.com/local/articl e/Laredo-s-populationexpected-to-boom-in-coming-11158247.php#photo-12933463 

14 Rister, M. E., Sturdivant, A. W., Lacewell, R. D., & Michelsen, A. M. (2011 ). Challenges and 

Opportunities for Water of the Rio Grande. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 43(3), 367-

378. https://doi .org/DOI : 10.1017 /S 107 4070800004363 

15 Palacios, J. Dec. 4, 2013. San Antonio Water Proposals See Opposition from Laredo. Fronteras. 

Retrieved from: https://fronterasdesk.org/content/9296/san-antonio-water-proposals-see-oppositionlaredo 

16 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 2019. Water Shortage Issue Related to the Mexican 

Water Deficit. https:// www.tceq .texas.gov/border/ water-deficit.html 

17 Swichtenberg, B. 2003. Border Water Conflict. Water and Wastes Digest. 

https://www.wwdmag.com/border-water-conflict 
from the U.S. 18 Under the treaty, Mexico is allowed to catch up on water deliveries over a 

five-year period. 19 Nonetheless, increasing water stress adds to conflict between the two 

nations. 

In addition to overallocation of surface water rights, overdraws of groundwater may be 

impacting the Rio Grande, particularly during drought periods.20 This is of particular concern 

in Webb County, where oil and gas development has been particularly heavy, and water use 

for hydraulic fracturing can be over 9 million gallons per oil and gas well. 21 

While South Texas is no stranger to droughts, climate change exacerbated heatwaves and 

temperature extremes brought on by Texas' 2011 historic drought,22 and contributed "to 

over $10 billion in direct losses to agriculture alone."23 

Water quality 

Bacteria counts in the Laredo sector of the Rio Grande are a consistent problem, and our 

section ofthe river is subsequently "Impaired" as a result. The issues primarily stem from 

untreated sewage discharges from Mexican sources into the Rio Grande. A 2012 Laredo 

Bacteria Study conducted by the Texas Clean Rivers program, in partnership with our 

organization, found levels of E. coli exceeding U.S. standards by more than 19 times by the 

time the river reaches downtown Laredo. 

Cryptosporidiosis, a parasite, can also be found in high levels as the river continues its 

southbound trek.24 The contamination has had negative impacts on the smaller incorporated 

cities of Rio Bravo and El Cenizo, once considered to be colonias, which are located 

downstream from Laredo and Nuevo Laredo in Webb County. These towns have struggled 

with poor water quality. Negligent management at their water treatment plant in 2013 led to 

18 Weismann, M.L. 2018. Texas State Representative Asks Administration to Enforce 1944 Treaty by 

Withholding Deliveries to Mexico. Journal of Water. https://journalofwater.com/jow/texas-staterepresentative-asks-administration-to-enforce-1944-treaty-by-withholding-deliveries-to-mexico/ 

19 Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. (2013). 

Addressing Mexico's Water Deficit to the United States. Retrieved from: 

https://www.texasagriculture.gov/Portals/O/forms/COMM/Water%20Debt.pdf 

2° Carter, N., Mulligan, S.P., Seekle, C.R. (2017). U.S.-Mexican Water Sharing: Background and 

Recent Developments. Congressional Research Service. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R43312.pdf 

21 Gallegos, T. J., Varela, B. A., Haines, S. S., & Engle, M.A. (2015). Hydraulic fracturing water use 

variability in the United States and potential environmental implications. Water Resources Research, 

51 (7), 5839-5845. https://doi.org/10.1002/2015WR017278 

22 Hoerling, M., M. Chen, R. Dole, J. Eischeid, A. Kumar, J. W. Nielsen-Gammon, P. Pegion, J. Perlwitz, 

X. - W. Quan, and T. Zhang, 2013: Anatomy of an extreme event. Journal of Climate, 26, 2811-2832, 

doi:10.1175/JCLI-D-12-00270.1. cited in U.S. Global Change Research Program (2014). 

23 U.S. Global Change Research Program. (2014). National Climate Assessment- Great Plains. 

Washington, D.C. Retrieved from http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/regions/great-plains cited 

in Henry, T. (2014, May 6). More Drought, Heat and Water Wars: What Climate Change Already Means 

for Texas. State Impact Texas. Retrieved from https://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2014/05/06/moredrought-heat-and-water-wars-what-climate-change-already-means-for-texas/ 

24 Webb County. (2015). Drinking Water from the Rio Bravo Water Treatment Plant and possible 

cryptosporidium. Retrieved from : 

http://www.webbcountytx.gov/WaterUtilities/Resources/CryptoSupplimental1nformation_July15-

English.pdf 

11 
water samples testing positive for E.coli, and a no drinking water notice in place for three 

weeks.25 

In September 2019, the City of Laredo issued a Boil Water Notice due to low chlorine 

residuals in certain areas of South Laredo -an area of the city known for being predominantly 

low-income.26 In prior years, the City's water utility has exceeded EPA Maximum 

Contaminant Levels for disinfection byproducts, underscoring the need to address water 

quality at the source.27 Additionally, Environmental Working Group has reported that City of 

Laredo drinking water had concentrations of uranium 4.8 times greater than their 

recommended health guideline, though these concentrations were within the legal limit.28 

Habitat 

The river serves as a critical wildlife corridor and is home to a wide diversity of plants and 

vegetation. Texas is second among the U.S. states for number of bird species, being home to 

nearly 650.29 In South Texas, the Rio Grande serves as the meeting point for the Central and 

Mississippi flyways, making it one of the most important bird migration routes in North 

America. 30 The San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel Watershed is located in the Central Flyway. 

Webb County is also the northernmost range of many neotropical bird species whose range 

is predominantly located in Central and South America. Laredo's bird appreciation 

community has recently taken root, with the help of RGISC's annual Laredo Birding Festival, 

established in 2013 and regular outings hosted by the Monte Mucho Audubon Society. A 

watershed plan for a healthier river ecosystem could help our County capitalize on these 

natural resources to develop better ecotourism projects and foster development projects 

that are more harmoniously aligned with nature. 

Federally endangered species in the Rio Grande watershed in Webb County include the 

Interior Least Tern, 31 the Texas Hornshell Mussel,32 and the Ocelot. 33 Maverick County is also 

part ofthe known range ofthe Texas Hornshell Mussel and Ocelot. 34 

25 Satija, N. (2013). U.S. and Mexico Struggle to Clean Up Rio Grande. Texas Tribune. 

https:/ /www.texastribune.org/201 3/1 0/23/us-a nd-mexico-struggle-clea n-rio-g rande/ 

26 City of Laredo. (2019). City of Laredo issues update as boil water notice lifted in north Laredo. 

Laredo Morning Times. https://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/City-of-Laredo-issues-update-as-boilwater-notice-14477235.php 

27 City of Laredo. (2018). 2017 Water Quality Report. Retrieved from: 

https:/ /www.cityoflaredo.com/uti I iti es/ assets/2017 -ccr-report.pdf 

28 Environmental Working Group. (2019). EWG's Tap Water Database - 2019 Update. 

https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws= TX2400001 

29 Audubon . Birding in Texas. Retrieved from : https://www.audubon.org/news/birding-texas 

30 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2018). Urban Bird Treaty. https://www.fws.gov/birds/grants/urbanbird-treaty/urban-bird-treaty-albuquerque.php 

31 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Interior Least Tern (Sterna antillarum athalassos). Retrieved 

from : https://tpwd .texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/leasttern/ and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

ECOS. Least tern (Sterna antillarum). Retrieved from: 

https:// ecos.fws.gov/ ecp0/profi le/speci esProfi I e ?spcode=B07 N 

32 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 07/17/2019. Annotated County Lists of Rare Species - Webb 

County. Retrieved from: https://tpwd.texas.gov/gis/rtest/ 

33 Id. 

34 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 07/17/2019. Annotated County Lists of Rare Species -

Maverick County. Retrieved from: https://tpwd.texas.gov/gis/rtest/ 

12 
The Texas Hornshell Mussel is known or believed to occur in only five counties of the U.S, 

with the largest known population in the world in Laredo at La Bota Ranch. 35 Webb County is 

one ofthree Texas counties along the Rio Grande where the Inland Least Tern has been 

observed at the bend of the river, and is known to breed. 36 The ocelot is a cat that requires 

dense brush as habitat, which is being lost to agricultural and urban development.37 

Sub-criterion No. B2. Developing Strategies to Address Critical Watershed 

Needs or Issues 

Under Task B - Watershed Restoration Planning, RGISC will pursue a three-phase 

approach for developing a watershed restoration plan for the San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel 

Watershed. 

• In Phase I, RGISC plans to synthesize information from research that has been 

completed by U.S. and Mexican government agencies at federal, state, and local 

levels, as well as any relevant academic research. The goal ofthe synthesis will be to 

clearly delineate watershed restoration objectives and needs, assemble a list of 

current watershed restoration projects, and identify gaps. Following this synthesis, 

RGISC will conduct one-on-one interviews with relevant agency and academic 

researchers, stakeholders representing major water user groups (e.g. city utility 

departments, private landowners, manufacturing sector, mining sector, and 

agriculture sector) and groups that affect the watershed quality (e.g. developers, 

industrial and manufacturing discharge facilities) to explore progress to date, learn 

about any planning for future challenges currently taking place, and compile a list of 

concepts for watershed restoration projects that have not yet been funded. (6 

months) 

• In Phase II, RGISC will host a series of meetings for stakeholders to collaboratively 

review the synthesis information and the list of concepts compiled from interviews. 

The goal of the meetings will be to identify and prioritize watershed management 

projects. Between meetings, RGISC will review new quantitative and qualitative data 

that comes to light and conduct relevant data and geospatial analysis to inform the 

process. Throughout this series we will seek to determine potential agencies with 

jurisdiction over each project concept, areas of overlap with potential for 

collaboration, an estimate of project costs, and possible funding sources. (15 months) 

• In Phase Ill, RGISC will produce a summary report available to project participants 

and the public detailing key objectives and priority projects for the watershed. (6 

months, with 3 months overlapping Phase II) 

35 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. n.d. Texas Hornshell (Popenaias popeii). ECOS. Retrieved from: 

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=F02M 

36 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. n.d. Interior Least Tern (Sterna antillarum athalassos). 

Retrieved from : https://tpwd .texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/leasttern/ 

37 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. n.d . Ocelot. Retrieved from : 

https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0013_ocelot.pdf 

13 
In an effort to reduce conflicts at the outset of the process, RGISC will ask stakeholders to 

commit to fully participate in the process as sincere participants seeking out opportunities for 

collaboration and problem solving. This will not imply that stakeholders must agree with 

everyone, but that they must strive to find common ground and a resolution to any perceived 

conflicts that inhibit progress toward the objectives. 

E.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C— Implementation and Results 

Sub-criterion No. C1—Understanding of and Ability to Meet Program 

Requirements 

Major tasks and milestones are discussed in detail in the technical project description and are 

not repeated here. 

Phase I: Data synthesis and interviews with affected stakeholders 

• July 2020 - Dec. 2020 (Cost: $28,931) 

Start and End Dates Milestones 

Synthesize information from research that has been 

completed by U.S. and Mexican government agencies at July 2020 - Sep 2020 federal, state, and local levels, as well as any relevant 

academic research. 

Generate maps of the watershed, using GIS software, Sep. 2020 - Nov. 2020 that aid in understanding critical issues. 

One-on-one interviews with relevant agency and 

Oct. 2020 - Nov. 2020 academic researchers, stakeholders representing major 

water user groups. 

Clearly delineate watershed restoration objectives and 

Nov. 2020 - Dec. 2020 needs, assemble a list of current watershed restoration 

projects, and identify gaps. 

Compile a list of concepts for watershed restoration Nov. 2020 - Dec. 2020 projects that have not yet been funded. 

14 
15 

Phase II: Collaborative planning meetings with stakeholders 

• Jan. 2021 - Mar. 2022 (Cost: $67,947) 

Start and End Dates Milestones 

Collaboratively review the synthesis information and Jan. 2021 - Feb. 2021 the list of concepts compiled from interviews. 

Identify and prioritize watershed management Mar. 2021 - Dec. 2021 projects. 

Identify potential agencies with jurisdiction over each 

project concept, areas of overlap with potential for Jan. 2022 - Mar. 2022 collaboration, an estimate of project costs, and 

possible funding sources. 

Conduct data and geospatial analysis as needed to Jan. 2021 - Mar. 2022 inform the process. 

Phase III: Producing a summary report for project participants and the public. 

• Jan. 2022 - June 2022 (Cost: $22,932) 

Start and End Dates Milestones 

Drafting a summary report detailing key objectives and Jan. 2022 - Mar. 2022 priority projects for the watershed. 

Sharing the draft report with the stakeholder group for Feb 2022 - Apr. 2022 feedback. 

Finalizing the summary report and disseminating to May 2022 - June 2022 participants, key stakeholders in the region, and the public. 
16 

Sub-criterion No. C2—Building on Relevant Federal, State, or Regional 

Planning Efforts 

Federal 

There are no EPA Healthy Watershed Projects in Region 6, which covers Texas and other 

states.38 

The Bureau of Reclamation and the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority (RGRWA) published 

the Lower Rio Grande Basin Study in 2013, focused on planning that would address the 

86,438 ac-ft/yr water availability shortfall predicted to be caused by climate change. 39 The 

following constraints were identified in the study for establishing a planning objective: 

• Reduce dependency on the Rio Grande 

• Preserve existing water rights 

• Preserve downstream flows for irrigation/push water and environmental needs 

• Contain actions that are within the reasonable control of study sponsors 

• Concentrate on Cameron, Willacy, and Hidalgo County needs 

Although Laredo is in the heart ofthe Lower Rio Grande Basin Study geographic area, the 

City of Laredo opted out of the study,40 presumably because the city was concerned that its 

unique needs would be overlooked due to the study's concentration on Cameron, Willacy, 

and Hidalgo County needs. As such, establishing a New Watershed Group that focuses on 

issues in Laredo and the 8-digit HUC watershed will address needs and strategies not already 

identified by Bureau of Reclamation. 

The Army Corps of Engineers has published a Rio Grande Basin Watershed Assessment 

Review Plan, but substantive documents with details about the assessment were not available 

to RGISC at the time of this proposal.41 

State 

Under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) Clean Rivers Program, there 

is no Total Maximum Daily Load program, 42 nor is there a Watershed Protection Plan for 

Nonpoint Source Water Pollution that relates to or intersects the San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel 

Watershed (8-digit HUC 13080002).43 

38 U.S. EPA. (2018). Healthy Watersheds Projects in Region 6. Retrieved from: 

https://www.epa.gov/hwp/healthy-watersheds-projects-region-6 

39 Bureau of Reclamation. (2013). Lower Rio Grande Basin Study. Denver, CO. Retrieved from 

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/bsp/docs/finalreport/LowerRioGrande/LowerRioGrandeBasinStudy. 

pdf 

40 Id. at p. 3-3. 

41 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (2015). Review Plan - Rio Grande Basin Watershed Assessment. 

42 TCEQ. Segments with Total Maximum Daily Loads. Last modified : 08/28/2019. Retrieved from : 

tceq.texas.gov/waterquality/tmdl/nav/tmdlsegments 

43 TCEQ. Watershed Protection Plans for Nonpoint Source Water Pollution. Last modified : 08/29/2019. 

Retrieved from : https://www.tceq .texas.gov/waterq ua I ity/nonpoi nt-sou rce/mg mt-plan/watershedpp.htm I 
The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) is a TCEQ Clean Rivers Program 

Partner. IBWC engaged in a formal relationship with RGISC in August 2018 to conduct water 

quality monitoring at key stations in Laredo for the purposes of the Clean Rivers Program.44 

IBWC noted in its 2019 Rio Grande Basin Program Update that RGISC's volunteers 

"involvement with the CRP is a great asset to the program." IBWC collaborates with RGISC to 

promote river cleanups, and the Rio Research Roundup, a basin-wide water quality testing 

event with students across three U.S. States and five Mexico states. 

TCEQ indicates that parameters affecting the river in the project area include bacteria, 

ammonia, toxicity in water, and antimony in sediment. 45 None ofthese parameters are 

receiving full support.46 The state's Watershed Action Plan Strategy Table indicates that the 

strategy for the Rio Grande Below Amistad Reservoir (the project area) is under "evaluation" 

for the bacteria parameter, and the status does not indicate that consulting or planning have 

begun.47 Nonetheless, IBWC noted in its May 2019 Rio Grande Basin Program update that it 

was involved with the "creation of a watershed protection plan in the Rio Grande by the 

USIBWC, with CRP assistance." 

The 2017 State Water Plan, produced by the Texas Water Development Board recommends 

strategies as well as additional unmet water needs by sector from 2020 to 2070.48 The plan 

has recommended over $109 million in capital improvement strategies for Webb County, $7 

million for Dimmit County, and $44 million for Maverick County. A New Watershed Group 

that focuses on issues in the San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel Watershed (8-digit HUC 13080002) 

will aid in developing strategies to address the unmet needs predicted by TWDB. 

Regional 

Counties in the San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel Watershed (8-digit HUC 13080002) include 

Maverick, Webb, and Dimmit. Each of these counties have completed projects to establish 

essential basic water and wastewater infrastructure funded by the Texas Water Development 

Board's (TWDB) Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP).49 There are no active or 

incomplete programs under the EDAP program in these counties.50 

International 

Several institutions at the federal level in the U.S. and Mexico, international bodies, and 

World Wildlife Fund have participated in a planning initiative funded by the United Nations 

44 IBWC. (2019). Rio Grande Basin Program Update. Retrieved from: 

https://www.ibwc.gov/CRP/documents/2019ProgramUpdate_FINAL.pdf 

45 TCEQ. 09/27/2019. Draft 2018 Texas Integrated Report -Assessment Results for Basin 23 - Rio 

Grande River Basin. Retrieved from: 

https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/waterquality/swqm/assess/18txir/2018 Basin23.pdf 

46 Id. see Level of Support (LOS) column. 

47 TCEQ. (2019). WAP Strategy Table, Updated September 2019. Retrieved from: 

https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/waterquality/wap/wap_allbasins.pdf 

48 TWDB. (2017). Texas State Water Plan. Retrieved from: 

https://2017.texasstatewaterplan.org/county/Webb 

49 Texas Water Development Board. (2019). Economically Distressed Areas Program, July 1, 2019 -

August 31, 2019. Austin, TX. Retrieved from 

http://www.twdb.texas.gov/publications/reports/edap_reports/doc/Status.pdf 

50 Id. at p. 7. 

17 
Environment Program (UNEP), which began in 2011. 51 The project objective was "To 

formulate a comprehensive, binational, ecosystem-based action programme (SAP) based on 

the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management, for the sustainable use 

management and use of the Rio Bravo throughout its basin, and to create the necessary 

enabling social-economic and policy mechanisms for implementing the agreed action 

programme and engendering the necessary reforms."52 The project was initially expected to 

be completed in 2014, but was extended through December 2018. Per the FY17 progress 

report, little was actually accomplished, reportedly due to "Institutional arrangements and 

changes in Mexico which had prevented its normal execution," and "concerns from the 

Mexican government with regards to the implications of the project results on the MX-US 

1944 treaty on water allocations."53 

The lack of performance on the UNEP program illustrates the unique challenges associated 

with international watershed planning, particularly on a larger basin scale. The project RGISC 

is proposing may have advantages through engaging stakeholders at a more local level. 

E.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D—Department of the Interior Priorities (10 points) 

This project supports department priority one, "Creating a conservation stewardship legacy 

second only to Teddy Roosevelt." 

Priority component How the project supports the priority 

Utilize science to identify best practices to Will use data, available science and agency 

manage land and water resources and studies, and geospatial analysis to key 

adapt to changes in the environment; objectives and priority projects for the 

watershed. 

Review DOI water storage, transportation, Will incorporate all available information 

and distribution systems to identify from federal, state, and local agencies as a 

opportunities to resolve conflicts and part of the information gathering and 

expand capacity; stakeholder involvement processes. 

Foster relationships with conservation Project will be led by a conservation 

organizations advocating for balanced organization advocating for balanced 

stewardship and use of public lands; stewardship and use of public lands. 

51 Project partners include United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA); The Secretariat of 

Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico (SEMARNAT); National Water Commission of Mexico 

(CONAGUA); Global Environmental Facility (GEF); United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP); 

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) 

52 United Nations Environment Program. (2017). UNEP GEF PIR Fiscal Year 17. Retrieved from: 

http://open.unep.org/project/G EF-2860 

53 Id. at p. 8 

18 
19 

VI. Project budget 

Budget proposal 

Table 1 Total Project Cost 

SOURCE AMOUNT 

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $100,000 

Costs to be paid by the applicant $3,939 

Value of third-party contributions $0 

TOTAL PROJECT COST $103,939 

Table 2 Budget Proposal 

COMPUTATION 

BUDGET ITEM 

DESCRIPTION $/unit Quantity Quantity Type Total Cost 

Salaries and Wages 

Tricia Cortez, Executive 

Director $31 898.56 hours $28,080 

Watershed Science Director $31 1926.72 hours $60,210 

Fringe Benefits 

None 

Travel 

None 

Equipment 

None 

Supplies and materials 

Meeting incidentals 

(refreshments, paper, pens) $75 8 Meetings $600 

Contractual Construction 

None 

Other 

GIS license $500 9.6 40% of 24 months $4,800 

Meeting venues $100 8 $800 

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS $94,490 

Indirect Costs 

De Minimis 10% $94,490 $9,449 

TOTAL INDIRECT COSTS $9,449 

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS $103,939 
20 

Budget narrative 

Salaries and wages 

• Tricia Cortez, Executive Director (Project Manager) 

o Annual salary: $65,000 

o Hourly rate: $31.25 

o Percent of time: 20% 

o Estimated hours: 898.6 (includes 8% to account for payroll tax) 

o Dates of cost incurrence: July 2020 - June 2022 

o How the expenditure benefits the project: Tricia Cortez will oversee all aspects 

of the project, working with the Watershed Science Director to implement the 

project, recruit and interview stakeholder members, and host convening 

meetings. Cortez will review the Phase I synthesis, and summary report in 

Phase Ill, as well as all quarterly financial and performance reports. 

• Watershed Science Director 

o Annual salary: $65,000 

o Hourly rate: $31.25 

o Percent oftime: 40% 

o Estimated hours: 1797.1 (includes 8% to account for payroll tax) 

o Dates of cost incurrence : July 2020 - June 2022 

o How the expenditure benefits the project: The Watershed Science Director will 

perform data analysis, geospatial analysis, and literature reviews to complete 

all phases of the project. This individual will conduct interviews and w rite the 

initial synthesis in Phase I and the summary report in phase II. Additionally, the 

Watershed Science Director will assemble quarterly financial and performance 

reports, including the final performance report. 

Materials and Supplies 

• Amount: $75/meeting 

• Description: general budget to cover the cost of flip charts, markers, pens, notepads, 

and refreshments such as coffee, sodas, water, pan du lee, or tacos. 

• Dates of cost incurrence: Approximately every other month from Jan. 2021 - Mar. 

2022 

• How the expenditure benefits the project: 

o Writing materials will help the group to record ideas and communicate 

effectively in a group setting. 

o Refreshm ents will help the group to stay focused, arrive early, and maintain 

energy during potentially long meetings. 

Other 

• GIS License 

o Nonprofit ESRI rate anticipated: $500/month 

o Project percentage and amount: 40% = $200/ month 

o Date of cost incurrence: July 2020 to June 2022 
2 1 

o How the expenditure benefits the project: An ESRI ArcGIS license will allow the 

Watershed Science Director to complete geospatial analysis needed for the 

project, highlighting observations and potential planning strategies in the 

watershed and communicating these results to the group. 

• Meeting venues 

o Amount: $100 per meeting 

o Date of cost incurrence: Approximately every other month from Jan. 2021 -

Mar. 2022 

o How the expenditure benefits the project: Meeting venues will be an essential 

component of the project for convening stakeholders. A local coworking 

space offers memberships that include conference room access at a cost of 

$50 per month. 

Indirect Costs 

• De Minimis: RGISC has never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, and the 

budget include a de minim is rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs. 

Funding plan and letter of commitment 

RGISC will cover the amounts greater than $100,000 using the org anization's operating 

funds, for a total contribution of $3,939 toward the de minimis indirect costs of the p roject. 

RGISC's letter of commitment to contribute funds in excess of $100,000 is included in the 

appendix. Additionally, the official resolution signed by RGISC's board will include RGISC's 

contribution. 

VII. Environmental and cultural resources compliance 

The project does not involve measurement, monitoring, or field work therefore, this section is 

not applicable. 

VIII. Required permits or approvals 

No permits or approvals are required for this project. 

IX. Official resolution 

RGISC will submit an official resolution after the November 25, 2019 board meeting and prio r 

to the deadline of December 13, 2019. 
22 

Appendix: Letters of commitment and support 

• Cost-share letter of commitment from RGISC 

• Letters of support 

o U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) 

o International Boundary and Water Commission 

o Comisi6n Internacional de Umites y Aguas Entre Mexico y Estados Unidos 

o City of Laredo Environmental Services Department 

o Webb County Judge, Tana Tijerina 

o Crane Engineering 
Rio Grande International Study Center 

West End Washington St. Bldg. P-11 

Laredo, Texas 78040 

(956) 718-1063 

www .rgisc.org 

November 12, 2019 

Ms. A vra Morgan 

Cooperative Watershed Management Program Coordinator 

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Division 

Mail Code: 84-51000 

P.O. Box 25007 

Denver, CO 80225 

Dear Ms. Morgan: 

The Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) is thankful for the opportunity to submit a 

proposal under the WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I Grants. 

RGI SC is committing to contribute up to $3,939 for any costs of the project greater than$ I 00,000. 

These funds will be available to the applicant at the time the project commences in July 2020, and 

there are no time constraints on the availability of funds. Per the project budget provided in the grant 

application, RGISC will cover the following costs: 

• Indirect costs at the De Minimis rate, up to $3,939 

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Executive Director 

Celebrating 25 YEARS and envtronme n t 
COMMITTEE ON 

APPROPRIAl'IONS 

SUB('OhlMlTIEtS: 

DEFENSE 

\VASHINOTON Ol·flCE. 

2372 RAYBURN HOUSEOFFICF. l\lJll.l)INO 

\VASH IN<JTON, 1K: 20515 

PHONf, (101) llH MO 

FAX, (202) 225-IM I 

cuell.1r.hou1c.):Ov HOMF.IAND SF.CURITI', VICE CHAIR TOLL t-:REE: 1~877- 780.0028 

AGRICULTURE. RURAL DEVELOP~1ENT, 

f OOD ANU DRUG ADMINISTRATION, LJEMOCI\ATIC ,TEERING AND 

AND REI..ATEO AGENCIES POLICY COMMITTEE 

HENRY CUELLAR, PH.D. CHIEF OEPUTY WHIP 

U.S. U.S.-MEXICO INTERPARLIAMENTARY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GROUP Cl IAIR..\.IAN 

November 13, 2019 

Ms. A vra Morgan 

Cooperative Watershed Management Program Coordinator 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Division 

Mail Code: 84-51000 

P.O. Box 25007 

Denver, CO 80225 

Dear Ms. Morgan: 

I write· in suppmt of the Rio Grande International Study Center's (RGISC) application for 

funding through the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed 

Management Program Phase 1 grant. Allocating federal funding to RGISC will suppmt their 

mission to preserving and protecting the Rio Grande-Rio Bravo. 

With this funding, RGISC will assemble a new watershed group with appropriate 

stakeholders for an area that currently does not have one. Establishing this group will provide a 

foundation for fu1ther work, including watershed restoration planning and watershed 

management project designs. Suppo1ting RGISC with federal funds addresses water quality and 

availability for both people and the farmers in the area. Establishing this watershed group will 

define critical watershed needs and prioritize strategies to ensure a clean and adequate water 

supply for the region. 

I emphasize my suppmt of Rio Grande International Study Center's (RGISC) application 

for funding through the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed 

Management Program Phase 1 grant. Providing funding for RGISC's watershed project will 

suppmt their mission of protecting green spaces in the Rio Grande Valley. 

Thank you for your continued suppmt and please do not hesitate to contact my Grants 

Coordinator, Alexis Garcia, at alexis.garcia@mail.house.gov. 

Sincerely, 

~ 

1 uel~ 

6~;·{ ~ngressman 

28th District of Texas 

I.AREOO SANANTONIO MISSION RIO GRANDE CITY 

602 EAST CALTON RO,1D 615 EAST HOUSTON STREET 117 EAST TOM LANDRY STREET 100 NORTII F.M. 3167 

SUITE 2 SUITE563 MISSION, TX 78572 SUlTE 208 

LAREDO, TX 7804 1 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78205 Pl IONE, (956) 424- 3942 RIO UI\ANDE CITY, TX 78582 

PHONE, (956) 725- 0639 PHONE, (210) 27 1- 285 1 FAX, (956) 424-3936 PHONE, (956) 487- 5603 

FAX, (956) 725-2647 FAX, (210) 277-667 1 FAX (956) 488-0952 
COMISIQN INTERNACIONAL DE LiMITES Y AGUAS 

ENTRE MEXICO Y LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS 

REPRESENTACI0N EN NUEVO LAREDO, TAMAULIPAS 

NUM: CILA/NL/0221/19 

EXP: CILA/0265 

ASUNTO: 8.E. Asuntos Ambientales-Proyectos. 

Nuevo Laredo, Tam., a 08 de noviembre de 2019 

AVRAMORGAN 

COOPERATIVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT 

PROGRAM COORDINATOR 

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 

WATER RESOURCES AND PLANNING DIVISION 

Mail Code: 84-51000, P.O. Box 25007 

Denver, CO 80225 

La Comision Internacional de Umites y Aguas entre Mexico y los Estados Unidos (CILA) es un organismo 

internacional que tiene como mision vigilar el cumplimiento de los Tratados lnternacionales entre Mexico y 

Estados Unidos de America, en materia de If mites y aguas, negociar y formalizar acuerdos generados en el marco 

de sus atribuciones, asistir a ambos gobiernos en los asuntos que le sean encomendados, asf como operar y 

mantener la infraestructura construida bajo dichos ac_uerdos, asegurando la integridad territorial y promoviendo 

el manejo de las cuencas transfronterizas en un marco de cooperacion y transparencia. 

La Seccion mexicana de la CILA, desde hace 25 afios, ha participado constantemente con el Rio Grande 

International Study Center (RGISC), en actividades en beneficio del medio ambiente en las cuales se destacan la 

conmemoracion del Dfa del Rfo, participacion en la solucion a las problematicas del recurso agua, proyectos del 

cuidado del medio ambiente, monitoreo de la calidad del agua del rfo Bravo, proyectos de concientizacion con 

alumnos de las entidades educativas de la region, entre otros. 

Hacemos hincapie en la importancia que representa para este Organismo Internacional la inclusion de 

proyectos que puedan mejorar el cuidado, el uso, la preservacion y la calidad del agua del rfo Bravo, por lo que 

nos encontramos en la mejor disponibilidad de continuar colaborando con dicho Centro buscando siempre el 

beneficio de los habitantes de esta region Fronteriza entre Mexico y los Estados Unidos. 

Hago propia la ocasion para reiterarle las seguridades de mi consideracion atenta y distinguida. 

ATENTAMENTE • 

AGU-~~t;;-zALEZ IIIA=.l!EClCAIM 

REPRESENZT~ :~ NUEVO LAREDO, TAM. 

~ 

Dl-&ama~ 

tlNIDOS,Of ~ ABG/rgm 

Calle 15 de Junio, Tel. (867) 713 4973 c.P. 88000 

Interior Puente Internacional I cila_laredo@cila.gob.mx Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico 
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION 

~-~"'""':..~ UNITED STATES AND MEXICO 

~l · <"/l 

"'~ .. ~ 

OFFJCE OF THE COMMISSIONER 

UNITED STA TES SECTION November 13, 2019 

Ms. A vra Morgan 

Cooperative Watershed Management Program Coordinator 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Division 

Mail Code: 84-51000 

P.O. Box 25007 

Denver, CO 80225 

Subject: Collaboration with RGISC to assemble a watershed group composed of affected stakeholders 

in the San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel 8-digit HUC Watershed in the Rio Grande 

The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) welcomes 

the opportunity for collaboration with the Rio Grande International Study Center in their efforts to 

assemble a watershed group for affected stakeholders in the San Ambrosia-Santa Isabel 8-digit HUC 

Watershed along the Rio Grande. 

The purpose of establishing this watershed group will be to define critical watershed needs and 

prioritize strategies to ensure a clean and adequate water supply for the region. The grant is a two-year 

grant, and will allow RGISC to complete a literature review, interview stakeholders, recruit more 

stakeholders to be a part of the group, and host a series of collaborative meetings with the group 

participants to define and prioritize strategies for the watershed. 

As a collaborating agency along with our Texas Clean Rivers Program for the Rio Grande Basin, we 

commit to providing the following resources and services toward the project grant from the U.S. 

Bureau of Reclamation: 

• Participate in at least three of the collaborative meetings with stakeholders 

• Participate in a stakeholder interview about watershed needs and priorities, if requested 

• Assist RGISC staff in accessing public data, if requested, for the purposes of identifying 

watershed needs and priorities 

This collaboration will result in the collection of valuable information from a diverse group of local 

stakeholders regarding water quality and use, while also providing the opportunity to discuss and 

prioritize strategies that would be invaluable to the border region in protecting the environment and 

human health. We look forward to continued coordination with the Rio Grande International Study 

Center and will assist them as appropriate during the project planning and implementation process for 

the grant. If you have any questions, please contact me at 915-832-4702 or Leslie Grijalva at 915-832-

4770. 

Sincerely, 

Environmental Management Division 

4191 N. Mesa Street • El Paso, Texas 79902-1423 

915.832.4100 • Fax: 915.974.2270 • http: / /www.ibwc.gov 
Tano E. Tijerina 

Webb County Judge 

November 12, 2019 

Ms. Avra Morgan 

Cooperative Watershed Management Program Coordinator 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Division 

Mail Code: 84-51000 

P.O. Box 25007 

Denver, CO 80225 

Dear Ms. Morgan: 

Webb County is an affected stakeholder in the Rio Grande watershed in Webb County, 

Texas. Critical issues of concern for Webb County include water availability for potable 

and agricultural purposes. As County Judge of Webb County I am in support of 

RGISC's proposal to establish a new watershed group composed of diverse affected 

stakeholders. 

When the program commences, I plan to participate in the watershed group meetings 

as an affected stakeholder. 

Thank you, 

Tano E. ·Jerina 

Webb County Judge 

1000 Houston St. Third Floor 

Laredo, Texas 78040 

1000 Houston Street, 3rd Floor • Laredo, Texas 78040 

Tel.: (956) 523-4600 • Fax: (956) 523-5065 • Email: webbcountyjudge@webbcountytx.gov 
City of Laredo 

Environmental Services Department 

John Porter 

Director 

City of Laredo Environmental Services Department 

619 Reynolds Street 

Laredo, TX 78040 

Office: 956-794-1650 

Email : jporter@ci.laredo.tx.us 

November 11, 2019 

Ms. A vra Morgan 

Cooperative Watershed Management Program Coordinator 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Division 

Mail Code: 84-51000 

P.O. Box 25007 

Denver, CO 80225 

Dear Ms. Morgan, 

The City of Laredo Environmental Services Department is most certainly a stakeholder in 

any potential watershed association, and in this case, a principle as the holder of the 

TCEQ issued Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit, and as the 

department namely in charge of its administration. All that we do is to prevent 

pollutants, and to maintain a clean viable storm sewer system that empties into a number 

of creeks and tributaries in the area. We are in support of the creation of a new watershed 

organization and interest group and are committed to staying a close partner to the Rio 

Grande International Study Center. 

Areas of concern remain for us and are constant in that we do our best to minimize the 

impact this community of over a quarter million has on the watershed it is bountifully 

blessed with, and of course ensuring the preservation of the Rio Grande for years to come 

as a drinking source and for agricultural use. We have as much a concern for this 

population as we do for our neighbors down river. The Laredo Environmental Services 

Department is writing in support of RGISC's proposal to establish a new watershed 

group composed of diverse affected stakeholders. 

When the program commences, we plan to pa1ticipate in the watershed group meetings as 

an affected stakeholder. Additionally, we plan to pattner with RGI SC on a number of 

needs, and assess how best we may support them as the project takes shape and the group 

is formed. 

Thank you for your consideration 

Sincerely, 

619 Reynolds Street I Laredo, Texas 78040 I (956)794-1650 I @CityoflaredoEnvironmentalServices 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I CRANE 

ENGINEERING 

CIVIL . PUBLI C WORKS. PL A I NG . HYDROLOGY 

Edward D. Garza, P.E., CFM 

President 

Alfredo Martinez, P.E., CFM 

November 12, 2019 

Ms. Avra Morgan 

Cooperative Watershed Management Program Coordinator 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Division 

Mail Code: 84-51000 

P.O. Box 25007 

Denver, CO 80225 

Dear Ms. Morgan, 

As a Professional Engineer in Texas, I live and work by a code to protect the safety, health, 

and welfare of the public. Engineers are tasked with safeguarding the earth and our 

community shares the Rio Grande with other Texas communities and Mexico to ensure access 

to potable quality water for our citizens. 

The Webb County Drainage District (WCDD) and City of Laredo work together to manage and 

maintain watersheds within our community to improve water quality. Additionally, the 

membership of our local chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) 

collaborates to provide updates to ordinances that affect our watersheds to improve 

sustainability. 

As a stakeholder in these organizations and a Board Member of RGISC, I plan to participate in 

the watershed group meetings and promote the participation from TSPE, WCDD, and the City 

to ensure their engagement in the critical issues that affect water availability and potable water 

for our region. I appreciate your consideration and support for the USBR grant application for 

Webb County watershed management. 

Sincerely, 

Cc: Ms. Tricia Cortez 

Executive Director 

Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) 

CRANE ENGINEERING CORP. 

Firm # F-3353 

______________________________ 

Edward D. Garza, P.E., CFM 

Principal Engineer 

1310 Junction Drive, Suite B Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 712-1996 Fax: (956) 712-2378