Texas Border Business
PHARR, TX – In light of the growing concerns regarding the state of water in the Rio Grande Valley, State Representative Terry Canales and State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa have spearheaded a new initiative: The Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium. Due to take place on August 20th of this year, the Water Symposium is a call to action unifying event that brings together legislators at the federal, state, and local levels as well as community leaders from around the valley to discuss the topic, gather information and distribute their knowledge, and opinions on this critical issue.
The day is divided up into four different informational panels. It includes a local panel where local water experts from the region will discuss the local forecast and main challenges concerning water in the Rio Grande Valley, an ‘Infrastructure Trends & Funding Panel’ where experts on the matter will discuss state and federal funding challenges, a state panel where state legislators will explain the state’s priorities and legislative focuses when it comes to water, and a finally a ‘Hope and Innovation’ panel where local leaders will speak on their perspectives on the water issue and how the Rio Grande Valley can successfully move forward.
The Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium is a testament to the power of collaboration. By bringing together individuals from diverse areas of expertise, this event is not just about educating people on the issue but also about taking collective steps toward improving the state of water in the Rio Grande Valley.
Statement from Representative Canales:
“In my 12 years as an elected member of the Texas House of Representatives, I have seen one issue firsthand affecting the present and future of the Rio Grande Valley. For far too long, our region has been dependent on receiving water through the 1944 Water Treaty with Mexico and the wishful thinking of heavy rain. Still, at some point, our luck is going to run out.”
“The Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium is a collaborative event that will unify our region to discuss the current state of the problem and how we can work together toward fixing it. With members of all levels of government and experts from around the state, this event will unify all local water entities as we work towards a better future for our region—a future secured through a sustainable and diverse water portfolio. This strategy is crucial for our stability moving forward.”
Statement from Senator Hinojosa:
“The Rio Grande Valley faces a critical water supply deficit, with its primary sources, the Amistad and Falcon international reservoirs, currently at 19% and 12% of capacity, respectively. These reservoirs account for over 90% of the region’s water supply. For decades, experts have warned that our region’s growing population, aging irrigation infrastructure, and reliance on Mexico make the Rio Grande Valley vulnerable to water shortages. We cannot wait on external forces. We know the issues. The Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium this month will bring together local officials, water entities, and policymakers to develop real solutions. It is time for us to unite, identify, and implement strategies to diversify our water supply. Local buy-in and proactive action are essential. We must evolve beyond the policy of merely encouraging entities within the region to cooperate to resolve water issues. Our local water providers must set aside self-interest to maximize our purchasing power to make any ambitious solution a reality for the greater good of the region.”
Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, is the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission. Rep. Canales represents House District 40 in Hidalgo County, which includes portions or all of Edinburg, Elsa, Faysville, La Blanca, Linn, Lópezville, McAllen, Pharr, and Weslaco. He may be reached at his House District Office in Edinburg at (956) 383-0860 or at the Capitol at (512) 463-0426.
Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and is a member of the following committees: State Water Implementation Fund for Texas; Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund; Border Security; Criminal Justice; Jurisprudence; and the Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparedness, Recovery and Electricity Special Committee. Senator Hinojosa represents Senate District 20 which includes Brooks, Hidalgo (part), Jim Wells, and Nueces (part) Counties. He may be reached at his Senate District Office in Edinburg at (956) 318-0725 or at the Capitol at (512) 463-0120.