Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum, November 16, 2022
2022-11-16 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix)
The USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a virtual public meeting on November 16, 2022.
U.S. Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner provided an overview of the USIBWC budget process and appropriations.
USIBWC Civil Engineer Karla Benitez discussed the Commission’s Amistad Dam Safety Mitigation Plan.
Press release: Press_Release_110722
Presentations:
CF_LRG_Amistad_Dam_Safety_Mitigation_Plan_111622
CF_LRG_Falcon_Dam_111622
LOWER RIO GRANDE CITIZENS FORUM
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. CST
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions — Citizens Forum Co-Chair
• USIBWC Budget Process and Appropriations – Dr. Maria-Elena Giner,
P.E., Commissioner, USIBWC.
• Amistad Dam Safety Mitigation Plan — Karla Benitez, Civil Engineer,
USIBWC
• Public Comment (To make public comment, RSVP by noon on Nov. 15 to
sally.spener@ibwc.gov or 915-503-5542)
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum, February 23, 2023
2023-02-10 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Phoenix) | Webinar
The USIBWC Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on February 23, 2023, via webinar.
Elizabeth Verdecchia, USIBWC Natural Resource Specialist, gave an update on USIBWC’s activities to implement riparian and aquatic habitat restoration projects along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico and west Texas over the last several years.
Xochitl Aranda, USIBWC Chief of the Operations and Maintenance Division, presented on the effectiveness of No Trespassing signage on levees.
John Sproul, Program Coordinator and Manager of Rio Bosque Wetlands Park for the University of Texas at El Paso Center for Environmental Resource Management, presented on how the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park is integrated into water management in the Rio Grande valley.
USIBWC Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner shared information about Commission initiatives.
Press Release & Agenda: Click Here
RIO GRANDE CITIZENS FORUM
Thursday, February 23, 2023
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. MST
Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions — Citizens Forum Co-Chair
• Remarks from U.S. Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner
• USIBWC Habitat Restoration Activities Update — Elizabeth Verdecchia, Environmental Protection Specialist, USIBWC
• Effectiveness of No Trespassing Signs along Levees — Xochitl Aranda, Chief, Operations and Maintenance Division. USIBWC
• Channel Maintenance and Hudspeth County Flooding Due to Sediment Accumulation — Xochitl Aranda, Chief, Operations and Maintenance Division,
USIBWC
• Wastewater Diversion from Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant to Rio Bosque Wetlands Park — John Sproul, Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Program Coordinator and Manager at the University of Texas at El Paso Center for Environmental Resource Management
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum, March 15, 2023
2023-03-15 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Mexico_City) | Webinar
The USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on March 15, 2023, at the Mercedes, Texas, field office.
USIBWC Legal Advisor Jennifer Peña introduced a white paper titled “The Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Water Deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty: A Compendium of Ideas.” The white paper informs the Commission’s effort this year to develop a U.S.-Mexico agreement known as a Minute to improve the predictability and reliability of Rio Grande water deliveries to users in both countries.
Lisa Torres, USIBWC Environmental Protection Specialist, presented on the water quality of the Rio Grande in the Lower Rio Grande Valley as part of the USIBWC Texas Clean Rivers Program.
Press Release & Agenda
Minutes
Presentations:
Rio Grande Water Deliveries Under the 1944 Treaty: A Compendium of Ideas
Water Quality in Lower Rio Grande
LRG Projects
LOWER RIO GRANDE USIBWC CITIZENS FORUM
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. CST
Teams Webinar
Agenda
 Welcome and Introductions – Carlos Sanchez, Citizens Forum Co-Chair
 Remarks from the Commissioner – Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., Commissioner,
USIBWC
 Texas Clean Rivers Program Rio Grande Basin Update, Water Quality Monitoring
Results, and Related Matters – Lisa Torres, Environmental Protection Specialist, Texas
Clean Rivers Program for the Rio Grande Basin, USIBWC
 Rio Grande Water Treaty Issues and Opportunities (New USIBWC White Paper) –
Jennifer Peña, Legal Advisor, USIBWC
 Public Comment
 Board Discussion
 Suggested Future Agenda Items

Upper Rio Grande Coordinated Monitoring Meeting, March 21, 2023
2023-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Mexico_City) | Webinar
The annual Coordinated Monitoring Meetings gather parties that are currently conducting water quality monitoring activities in that portion of the basin as well as entities such as other state agencies that can provide input on monitoring. The group discusses the next fiscal year’s monitoring schedule.
Minutes: Click Here

Pecos River Coordinated Monitoring Meeting, March 23, 2023
2023-03-24 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Mexico_City) | Webinar

Middle Rio Grande Coordinated Monitoring Meeting, April 5, 2023
2023-04-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Mexico_City) | Webinar

Colorado River Citizens Forum, May 17, 2023
2023-05-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix)
The USIBWC Colorado River Citizens Forum Board held a virtual public meeting on May 17, 2023.
Dr. Francisco Zamora, Senior Director of Programs at the Sonoran Institute and a member of the Raise the River Coalition, presented on “Restoration Efforts in the Colorado River under
Minute 323/.”
Steven Anderson from the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) presented on the organization’s water conservation efforts, including reductions over time.
Minutes: CF_CO_Meeting_Minutes_051723
Presentations:
CF_CO_2023_Water_Conservation_Drought_Resource_Overview_051723
CF_CO_River_051723

Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum, June 8, 2023
2023-06-08 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Phoenix) | Webinar
The USIBWC Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum held a public meeting on June 8, 2023, at Tubac Community Center, Tubac, Ariz.
Andrés Rangel, Associate Director at North American Development Bank, described the current situation of the Naco wastewater collection system and wastewater treatment plant as well as the status of efforts to address this situation.
Mr. Rangel also presented on the expected reduction in wastewater that currently flows from Mexico into the United States due to the expansion of the Los Alisos wastewater treatment plant in Mexico, as well as upcoming projects in Nogales, Sonora, including the biological assessment of potential impacts to the Santa Cruz River from the proposed expansion of the plant
Press Release & Agenda: Click Here
Presentations: Click Here
SOUTHEAST ARIZONA CITIZENS FORUM
Thursday, June 8, 2023
4 – 6 p.m. MST
Santa Cruz County North Facility – Tubac Community Center
50 Bridge Road
Tubac, AZ 85646
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Ben Lomeli, Citizens Forum Co-Chair
• Welcome from the Chief of Public Affairs – Frank Fisher, Chief of Public Affairs, USIBWC
• Current Situation of the Naco, SN Wastewater Collection System and Wastewater Treatment Plant – Andrés Rangel, Associate Director, North American Development Bank
• Upcoming Projects in Nogales, Sonora – Andrés Rangel, North American Development Bank
• Public Comment (To make public comment, RSVP by noon on June 8 to leslie.grijalva@ibwc.gov)
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum, June 22, 2023
2023-06-22 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Phoenix) | USIBWC Headquarters, 4191 N. Mesa Street, El Paso, TX, 79902, United States
The USIBWC Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on June 22, 2023, at USIBWC Headquarters, El Paso, Texas.
USIBWC Environmental Protection Specialist Lisa Torres discussed the water quality of the Rio Grande in the Upper Rio Grande in Texas. The USIBWC Texas Clean Rivers program collects water quality information throughout the Rio Grande Basin. Routine monitoring has shown that bacteria continue to exceed limits in the El Paso area, and Clean Rivers Program staff discussed bacteria issues. Ms. Torres also discussed salinity, monitoring activities, outreach activities, and other projects in the Rio Grande affecting water quality.
USIBWC Civil Engineer Crystal Cadillo discussed ongoing and planned work to raise and rehabilitate Rio Grande flood control levees. Her presentation included an update on the FEMA certification status of levees in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and El Paso County, Texas, which affects flood insurance requirements and costs.
Press Release & Agenda: Click Here
Presentations:
Update on Rio Grande Water Quality
COND CF Presentation

San Diego Citizens Forum, July 12, 2023
2023-07-12 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The USIBWC San Diego Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on July 12, 2023, at the Coronado Community Center, Coronado, Calif.
Press release and presentations: Combined presentations
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfzuEeoYP58
Morgan Rogers of the USIBWC presented an overview of Commission activities in the San Diego region, including boundary demarcation and maintenance of boundary monuments, wastewater treatment, and other water management responsibilities.
Oscar Romo of Alter Terra gave a presentation on a proposed trash boom across the Tijuana River.
SAN DIEGO CITIZENS FORUM
Wednesday, July 12, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. PDT
CORONADO COMMUNITY CENTER
Triton Room
1845 Strand Way,
Coronado, CA 92118
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Officer, USIBWC
• Recognition of New Board Members – Frank Fisher, Director of Public Affairs, USIBWC
• Overview of IBWC and Activities in San Diego Region – Morgan Rogers, P.E., Area Operations Manager, USIBWC San Diego Field Office
• Proposed Trash Booms, A Solution to the Transboundary Waste Problem – Oscar Romo, Executive Director, Alter Terra
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Federal-State Stakeholder Meeting, Lower Rio Grande Valley, July 19, 2023
2023-07-19 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Main Building Auditorium, Room 102, 2415 E. Highway 83, Weslaco, TX, 78596, United States
The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico (USIBWC) hosted a meeting in Weslaco, Texas, on July 19, 2023, to offer
farmers, ranchers, and rural communities’ information about federal and state water programs.
Agenda: LRG_Stakeholder_meeting_071923.pdf (ibwc.azurewebsites.net)
Press Release: Press_Release_071923.pdf (ibwc.gov)
Presentations:
Texas Water Development Board (ibwc.gov)
PowerPoint Presentation (ibwc.gov)
2023-07-19-USBR-WaterSMART-Funding-Opportunities-IBWC-3.pdf
Community Programs (ibwc.gov)

Colorado River Citizens Forum, September 20, 2023
2023-09-20 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Phoenix) | New venue
The USIBWC Colorado River Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on September 20, 2023, at Yuma Civic Center Lounge, Yuma, Ariz.
Dr. Karl Flessa, Professor of Geosciences at the University of Arizona, presented on the treaty agreements between Mexico and the United States to allocate water and funding for the restoration of riparian habitat along the 85-mile course of the Colorado River from the border to the Gulf of California.
Press release and presentations: CR Citizens Forum press release and presentation combined
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aobxq7inPh8

Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum, October 19, 2023
2023-10-19 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Denver)
The USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on October 19, 2023, at Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, N.M.
Genevieve Allan, Project Management Specialist with the Water Management Division for the Bureau of Reclamation, will discuss the Rio Grande Project Area – Drought Resilience
Team. This multi-agency technical team was established in response to prolonged aridification of the Rio Grande Project area and aims to build resilience in the project water supply, improve
water management, enhance habitat to the extent possible, explore water conservation opportunities, allow for information sharing between government agencies and project water
users, and explore joint funding opportunities.
David Duran, Area Operations Manager for the USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Field Office, discussed the USIBWC Sediment Disposal Program. The USIBWC is seeking partners that may need sediment for their projects or for general use. The sediment is dirt removed from the riverbed or floodway and is offered at no cost (FREE) to anyone. Mr. Duran presented on the process of applying for the No-Cost Sediment eAgreement.
Press release and presentations: URG CF press release combined 10-19-2023
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IJ-trsxTN8
Rio Grande Citizens Forum
Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 6:30-8:30 MDT
Doña Ana County Government Center, Commission Chambers
845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88007
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Brenda Barnes, Citizens Forum Co-Chair
• Opening Remarks – Frank Fisher, Director of Public Affairs, USIBWC
• Rio Grande Project Area – Drought Resilience Team – Genevieve
Allan, Project Management Specialist Water Management Division,
Bureau of Reclamation
• USIBWC Sediment Disposal Program – David Duran, Area Operations
Manager, USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Field Office.
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum, October 26, 2023
2023-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix)
The USIBWC Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on October 26, 2023, at Cochise College Douglas Campus in Building 100, Douglas, AZ.
Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Specialist for the USIBWC, provided new board members and the public an overview of the agency and its history. She also gave a presentation about the Citizens
Forum program.
John Light, Area Operations Manager for the Nogales Field Office, provided an overview of the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Press release and presentations: SEA CF press release and presentations
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDKK4jsQaV4
SOUTHEAST ARIZONA CITIZENS FORUM
Thursday, October 26, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. MST
Cochise College
4190 AZ-80, Building 100
Douglas, AZ 85607
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Ben Lomeli, Citizens Forum Co-Chair
• Opening Remarks – Frank Fisher, Director of Public Affairs, USIBWC
• IBWC & Citizens Forum Program Overview & History – Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Specialist, USIBWC
• Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant – John Light, Area Operations Manager for the Nogales Field Office, USIBWC
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

San Diego Citizens Forum, November 8, 2023
2023-11-08 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | New venue
The USIBWC San Diego Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on November 8, 2023, at Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave., Coronado, Calif.
Dr. David Sodeman, Chief of the Monitoring and Technical Services Division for the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, gave a presentation on the installation of AQMesh sensors near the Tijuana River Valley and in the surrounding community. The collected data will be shared with the public and other agencies as another tool to address ongoing issues in the area.
Morgan Rogers, Area Operations Manager of the USIBWC San Diego Field Office, gave an overview of Commission activities in the San Diego region. The presentation included an update on the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant and San Diego–Tijuana wastewater infrastructure improvement projects.
Press release and presentations: https://www.ibwc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Binder1-combo.pdf
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJzs79HyQJ0
SAN DIEGO CITIZENS FORUM
Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. PDT
Coronado Public Library
Winn Room, 640 Orange Ave.,
Coronado, CA 92118
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Specialist, USIBWC
• Air Monitoring of Tijuana River Odors – Dr. David Sodeman, Chief of Monitoring and Technical Services Division, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District
• Update of IBWC Activities in San Diego Region – Morgan Rogers, P.E., Area Operations Manager, USIBWC San Diego Field Office
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion and Formal Vote on a Co-Chair
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum, Dec. 5, 2023
2023-12-05 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | New venue
The USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on December 5, 2023, at the Mercedes Field Office, Mercedes, Texas.
USIBWC Commissioner Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., gave an update on the status of the Minute negotiations to bring reliability and predictability to water deliveries in the Rio Grande Basin.
Isela Canava, Principal Engineer, USIBWC Operations Department, provided an overview of the infrastructure the agency owns and operates and its activities along the Rio Grande, from the El Paso area to the Brownsville area. The presentation highlighted international and diversion dams, water accounting activities, and how the USIBWC is advancing through science.
The Rio Grande Hydrology Work Group is developing a binational model to simulate allocation procedures and water distribution in the United States and Mexico. Delbert Humberson explained the model that will be used to analyze the effects of proposed water management scenarios in comparison to practices that are currently in effect.
Press release and presentations: https://www.ibwc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Combo-press-release-updated-12-5-2023.pdf
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O7cDRrzATE
LOWER RIO GRANDE CITIZENS FORUM
Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 3–5 p.m. CST
IBWC Mercedes Field Office
325 Golf Course Road Mercedes, TX 78570
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Specialist, USIBWC
• Stakeholder Update on Minute Negotiations to Bring Reliability and Predictability to Rio Grande Deliveries – Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., Commissioner, USIBWC
• Overview of Operations and Maintenance Activities along the Rio Grande – Isela Canava, Principal Engineer, Operations Department, USIBWC
• Using RiverWare to Explore Binational Basin Management Scenarios – Delbert Humberson, Hydrologist, USIBWC
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion and Formal Vote on a Co-Chair
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Colorado River Citizens Forum, January 24, 2024
2024-01-24 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | New venue
The USIBWC Colorado River Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on Jan 24, 2024, at the Imperial County Board Chambers, 940 West Main Street, Suite 211 El Centro, Calif.
Jeremy Brooks, program manager of the Salton Sea Program, gave an update on the declining Salton Sea surface water levels and how this was exposing the lakebed, contributing to water and air quality challenges that impact human health and wildlife.
USIBWC Civil Engineer Jose Vela presented on the implementation status of Minute 323-related projects.
Wayne Belzer, an Environmental Engineer with the USIBWC, gave a description of the binational water quality study proposed by the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico (IBWC) for the New River. IBWC is working with agencies from Calexico-Mexicali and intends to initiate the study this year.
Press release and presentations: Press release combo 1-24-2024
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ9DJRJW0cY
COLORADO RIVER CITIZENS FORUM
Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 4–6 p.m. PST
Imperial County Board Chambers
940 West Main Street, Suite 211, El Centro, CA 92243
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Specialist, USIBWC
• Opening Remarks – Frank Fisher, Director of Public Affairs, USIBWC
• IID/CNRA/USBR/CVWD Salton Sea Funding Agreement – Jeremy Brooks, Salton Sea Program Manager
• Extension of Cooperative Measures and Adoption of a Binational Water Scarcity Contingency Plan in the Colorado River Basin – Jose Vela, Civil Engineer, USIBWC
• New River Binational Water Quality Study – Wayne Belzer, Environmental Engineer, USIBWC
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum Public Meeting on February 8
2024-02-08 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | USIBWC Mercedes Field Office, 325 Golf Course Road, Mercedes, TX, 78570, United States
**Link to Presentation**
**Link to Video**

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum board held an in-person and virtual public meeting on
Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 3-5pm CST.

Commissioner Giner & USIBWC Water Accounting staff, presented on updates to ongoing minute negotiations and will share results of research requested by area stakeholders on the basis for water delivers under the 1944 Water Treaty. Staff will also discuss modeling tools under development by the commission, International Dams “critical levels”, Amistad Penstock, and short-terms impacts.

Meeting held in person at:
USIBWC Mercedes Field Office
325 Golf Course Road
Mercedes, TX 78570

Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum, February 15, 2024
2024-02-15 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Denver) | New venue
The new USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on February 15, 2024, at USIBWC Headquarters, 4191 N. Mesa, El Paso, TX.
Leslie Grijalva, USIBWC Public Affairs Specialist, presented on IBWC Overview & History.
David Duran, Area Operations Manager, USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Field Office, presented on Commission Activities in the Upper Rio Grande Region.
Press release and presentations: New CF combined press release slides 2-16-2024
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fer2LNSOYM
Rio Grande Citizens Forum
Thursday, February 15, 2023, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. MST
USIBWC Headquarters
4191 N. Mesa St.
El Paso, TX 79902
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Specialist
• Opening Remarks – Frank Fisher, Director of Public Affairs, USIBWC
• IBWC Overview & History – Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Specialist
• Commission Activities in the Upper Rio Grande Region – David Duran, Area Operations Manager, USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Field Office
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum, March 19, 2024
2024-03-19 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Phoenix)
The USIBWC Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on March 19, 2024, at the Radon Conference Room, Water Campus Conference, 2955 Calle Agua Nueva, Tucson, Ariz.
Dr. Sharon B. Megdal, Director of the Water Resource Research Center at the University of Arizona, provided an update on the status of the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP), including the five-year strategic plan put together by the participating water institutes and USGS, along with the status of the request for congressional reauthorization.
Matt Narter, R.G., Senior Hydrogeologist at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, outlined the ways that in recent years there have been many scientific, regulatory, and legal developments related to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The ADEQ discussed the agency’s efforts to identify the impacts of PFAS in Arizona, prepare for expected federal regulations, and aid impacted communities
Press release and presentations: https://www.ibwc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Combination-press-release-3-19-2024.pdf
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CTfd6KVWWk
SOUTHEAST ARIZONA CITIZENS FORUM
Tuesday March 19, 2024, at 4-6pm MST
Radon Conference Room, Water Campus Conference
2955 Calle Agua Nueva, Tucson, AZ 85745
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions
• The Status of TAAP – Dr. Sharon B. Megdal, Director of the Water Resource Research Center at the University of Arizona
• Update on Elements Related to PFAS – Matt Narter, R.G., Senior Hydrogeologist at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
• Public Comment
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

San Diego Citizens Forum, March 28, 2024
2024-03-28 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
The USIBWC San Diego Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on March 28, 2024, at Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, Calif.
Citizens Forum Board Member Alberto Pombo, Ph.D., and CEO of Border Communities for a Healthy Environment, presented a study analyzing data compiled over 25 years on pollution origins on the Tijuana River on the Mexico side of the border.
Morgan Rogers, P.E., Area Operations Manager, USIBWC San Diego Field Office, presented an update of Commission activities in the San Diego region. The presentation included an update on Minute 328 projects, the operational status of the San Diego Wastewater Treatment Plant, an accounting of transboundary flows, and an update on San Diego–Tijuana wastewater infrastructure improvement projects.
Press release and presentations: Combination press release 3-28-2024
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aWJkvmKxF8
SAN DIEGO CITIZENS FORUM
Thursday March 28, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. PST
Nautilus Room – Coronado Community Center
1845 Strand Way
Coronado, CA 92118
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions
• Geographical analysis of water pollution sources along the Tijuana River (2024) – Alberto Pombo, Ph.D., CEO of Border Communities for a Healthy Environment
• Update on Minute 328 projects and funding – Morgan Rogers, P.E., Area Operations Manager, USIBWC San Diego Field Office
• Update of IBWC and Activities in San Diego Region – AOM Rogers
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum, April 2, 2024
2024-04-02 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
The USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on April 2, 2024, at the Mercedes Field Office, Mercedes, Texas.
USIBWC Commissioner Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., provided an update on the status of the Minute negotiations for the Rio Grande and what that means for bringing predictability and reliability to the Rio Grande.
USIBWC Hydrologist Adrian Cortez provided an update on the recent implementation of a graphical data portal to share Commission data with stakeholders in the United States and Mexico. This overview went over how to use the system and sought feedback from stakeholders on the type of information and data they would like to see included in the future.
Dr. Apurba Borah, P.E., USIBWC Lead Hydraulic Engineer, presented an update of the USIBWC levee system in the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project. The presentation included an update on levee accreditation, design, and construction in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. He also discussed ongoing projects as well as speed bumps in FEMA levee accreditation.
Press release and presentations: combined press release with presentations
Video: https://youtu.be/DdzWke_nGXU
LOWER RIO GRANDE CITIZENS FORUM
Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. CDT.
IBWC Mercedes Field Office
325 Golf Course Road
Mercedes, TX 78570
And Via Teams
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Leslie Grijalva, Public Affairs Specialist, USIBWC
• Update on Minute Negotiations – Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., Commissioner, USIBWC
• IBWC Stream Gaging Program and Water Data Portal for the Rio Grande River, Colorado River, and Tijuana River Basins – Adrian Cortez, Hydrologist, Water Accounting Division, USIBWC
• Update on Levee Improvement Projects in the Lower Rio Grande Valley – Dr. Apurba Bora, P.E., Lead Hydraulic Engineer, Engineering Services Division, USIBWC
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Middle Rio Grande Coordinated Monitoring Meeting, April 15, 2024
2024-04-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Mexico_City) | Webinar

Colorado River Citizens Forum, July 9, 2024
2024-07-09
The USIBWC hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting to welcome the new Colorado River Citizens Forum Board on July 9, 2024, at Yuma City Hall, One City Plaza, Yuma, Ariz.
Frank Fisher, Public Affairs Chief for the USIBWC, provided an overview of the agency and its history. He also gave a presentation about the Citizens Forum program.
Anna Morales, Area Operations Manager for the USIBWC Yuma Field Office, gave an overview of field office activities.
Press release and presentations: Combined-CR-CF-press-release-7-9-2024.pdf (ibwc.gov)
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CWRxvDZeNQ
USIBWC COLORADO RIVER CITIZENS FORUM
Tuesday, JULY 9, 4-6 p.m. MST
Yuma City Hall, Room 190
1 City Plaza
Yuma, AZ 85364
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Frank Fisher, Director of Public Affairs, USIBWC
• IBWC & Citizens Forum Program Overview & History – Frank Fisher
• Yuma Field Office Activities – Anna Morales, Area Operations Manager for the Yuma Field Office, USIBWC
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

San Diego Citizens Forum, July 10, 2024
2024-07-10 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
The USIBWC San Diego Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on July 10, 2024, at the Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, Calif.
Morgan Rogers, Area Operations Manager of the USIBWC San Diego Field Office, presented updates on the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, San Diego–Tijuana wastewater
infrastructure improvement projects, and other Commission activities in the region.
The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation gave a presentation “Current Efforts on Dredging and Berm Repair in the Tijuana River Valley by the County and City of San Diego.”
Presentations: ibwc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Combination-press-release-SD-CF-7-10-2024.pdf
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3bJ2ZVBzgs
SAN DIEGO CITIZENS FORUM
Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 5:30–7:30 p.m. PDT
Triton Room – Coronado Community Center
1845 Strand Way
Coronado, CA 92118
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions
• Update of IBWC Activities in San Diego Region – Morgan Rogers, P.E., Area Operations Manager, USIBWC San Diego Field Office
• Current Efforts on Dredging and Berm Repair in the Tijuana River Valley by the County and City of San Diego – County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum, July 18, 2024
2024-07-18 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Phoenix)
The USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on July 18, 2024, at the Dona Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, N.M.
Enrique Ornelas, Deputy Regional Manager, USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Field Office, provided a presentation on “Sediment Disposal Program Updates.”
Genevieve Allan, Planning Group Supervisor, Water Management Division, Albuquerque Area Office, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, presented on “Reclamations Grant Opportunities and Drought Resilience Efforts in the Rio Grande Project.”
Press release and presentations: Combination-press-release.pdf (ibwc.gov)
Meeting video: https://youtu.be/WBKchqC26zY
USIBWC UPPER RIO GRANDE CITIZENS FORUM
Thursday July 18, 6:30-8:30 MDT
Doña Ana County Government Center, Commission Chambers
845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88007
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions – Co-Chairs
• “Sediment Disposal Program Updates” – Enrique Ornelas, Deputy Regional Manager, USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Field Office
• “Reclamations Grant Opportunities and Drought Resilience Efforts in the Rio Grande Project” – Genevieve Allan, Planning Group Supervisor, Albuquerque Area Office, U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum, August 6, 2024
2024-08-06 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago)
The USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum Board held a public meeting on August 6, 2024, at the Mercedes Field Office, in Mercedes, Texas.
Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., USIBWC Commissioner, and USIBWC Hydrologist Delbert Humberson discussed research the agency has done on Rio Grande hydrology. The USIBWC has begun sharing this information with congressional representatives and other stakeholders to encourage a regional discussion on building resiliency in the region with less dependence on Mexico’s water.
Joseph Tritz, Maintenance Supervisor for the USIBWC Mercedes Field Office, provided an update on field office activities. He covered the role and responsibilities of the field office’s maintenance and operations department.
Press release and presentations: Press release with presentations 8-6-2024
Video of the meeting can be found on the IBWC YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxfENsWp9qQ
LOWER RIO GRANDE CITIZENS FORUM
Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. CDT.
IBWC Mercedes Field Office
325 Golf Course Road
Mercedes, TX 78570
And Via Teams
Agenda

Welcome and Introductions – Co-chairs
Hydrology of the Rio Grande, Water Deliveries, and the Minute Status – Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., USIBWC Commissioner, Hydrologist Delbert Humberson
Mercedes Field Office Activities – Joseph Tritz, Field Office Maintenance Supervisor
Public Comment
Board Discussion
Suggested Future Agenda Items

Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum, August 15, 2024
2024-08-15 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Phoenix)
The USIBWC Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum Board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on August 15, at the Tubac Community Center, Tucson, Ariz.
Crystal Cadillo, P.E., Civil Engineer with the USIBWC Construction Management Division, presented on the recent rehabilitation of the International Outfall Interceptor in Nogales, Arizona. The pipeline conveys wastewater from Nogales and Rio Rico, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, over a length of 9.9 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Rio Rico.
Andres Rangel, Associate Director of the North America Development Bank, discussed updates to the Estadio Pump Station project. Mr. Rangel’s presentation covered the status, planned works, and expected results of the project, providing a comprehensive overview of the progress and future developments.
The public meeting was held in person at:
Santa Cruz County North Facility – Tubac Community Center, 50 Bridge Road, Tubac, Ariz. 85646
Press release and presentations: Press-release-with-presentations-8-15-2024.pdf (ibwc.gov)
Video: https://youtu.be/r0qfr3zyI1I
SOUTHEAST ARIZONA CITIZENS FORUM
Thursday, August 15, 4–6 p.m. MST
Santa Cruz County North Facility – Tubac Community Center
50 Bridge Rd.
Tubac, AZ 85646
And via Teams Webinar
Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions
• Opening Remarks – Co-chairs
• Update on recent Nogales International Outfall Interceptor rehabilitation completion – Crystal Cadillo / Civil Engineer / USIBWC
• Estadio Pump Station project updates – Andres Rangel / Associate Director / North American Development Bank
• Public Comment
• Board Discussion
• Suggested Future Agenda Items

Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum, October 24, 2024 (6-8 p.m. MDT)
2024-10-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver)
**Link to Video**
**Link to presentations**

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum board held an in-person and virtual public meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. MDT.

David Duran, USIBWC Regional Operations Manager, American Dam Field Office, presented updates on public maintenance requests as well as total sediment removals for Fiscal Years 2022-2024 within the agency’s Canalization Project Area.
Gerardo Melendez, Lead Civil Engineer (Hydraulic), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, spoke about Rio Grande irrigation updates and next session irrigation topics.

Held in person at:
USIBWC Headquarters Building
4191 North Mesa St.
El Paso, Texas 79902

Agenda

Welcome and Introductions – USIBWC Citizens Forum Board Co-Chairs
USIBWC Presentation on Field Office –David Duran, Regional Area Operations Manager, USIBWC American Dam Field Office.
Irrigation updates and 2025 outlook – Gerado Melendez, Lead Civil Engineer (Hydraulic), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Public Comment
Board Discussion
Suggested Future Agenda Items

San Diego Citizens Forum, October 29, 2024 (6-8 p.m. PDT)
2024-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
**Link to Video**
**Link to presentations**

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) San Diego Citizens Forum board held an in-person and virtual public meeting on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. PDT.

USIBWC Commissioner Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., and her staff spoke about the launch of the rehabilitation and expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. This expansion, in combination with wastewater infrastructure improvements in Mexico under Minute 328, is intended to eliminate up to 90% of untreated wastewater reaching the coast.
Joshua Hinojosa, USIBWC Program Analyst, presented an update on the Asset Management Program, outlining key phases such as assessments, resource allocations, maintenance plans, and next steps.

Held in person at:
Coronado Community Center
Triton Room
1845 Strand Way
Coronado, CA 92118

Agenda:

Welcome and Introductions – USIBWC Citizen Board Introductions
USIBWC – Commissioner Giner & IBWC staff: Launch of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant rehabilitation and expansion.
USIBWC – Joshua Hinojosa, Program Analyst: Asset Management program updates.
Public Comment
Board Discussion
Suggested Future Agenda Items
