Valley legislative delegation sends letter to Blinken over Mexico’s water debt

EDINBURG, Texas – The nine-member Rio Grande Valley legislative delegation has sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken to express its “deep concern” over Mexico’s water deliveries to the United States.

The letter’s subject line is: “Urgent Action Required to Fulfill 1944 Water Treaty Obligations.”

“In our fast-growing region, development is beginning to slow, with numerous communities lacking the water supplies to service new customers,” the letter states. “Just last month, we received word that our state’s last sugar mill located here in the Rio Grande Valley was shutting down because of dwindling water supplies. This closure ends production on an estimated 40,000 acres of land, leaving hundreds of Valley residents without jobs.”

The idea for the letter came from state Rep. Terry Canales, who has made water availability and security his top legislative issue.

“The Rio Grande Valley needs the full assistance of the United States Department of State to ensure our region has the water it needs for homes, agriculture, and economic development,” Canales said. “Mexico is our number one trading partner and our friend, however, it is equally crucial that friends honor their commitments to each other. I urge Secretary Blinken to use the full power of his office to enforce the terms of the 1944 Water Treaty.”

Canales added: “Without water, there is no life. Without a reliable long-term water solution, our economy will suffer and the amazing growth and economic prosperity we have experienced will quickly dwindle and ultimately come to a grinding halt. There is nothing more important and nothing more pressing. The good news is by working together as a region we can make it happen. We can have water security.”

The State Department, led by Blinken, has sent a proposed new Minute to Mexico which would tweak the 1944 water sharing treaty. According to the head of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, Maria-Elena Giner, the Minute includes “good tools for Mexico so that they can make deliveries of water.” Right now, Giner says, Mexico has “only delivered about one year’s worth of water and we’re in our fourth year of the cycle. So, they’re very far behind and we’re deeply concerned how they’re going to make up that shortfall.”

The Valley’s legislative delegation consists of state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, Juan Hinojosa, and Morgan LaMantia, along with state Reps. Ryan Guillen, Armando Martinez, Sergio Muñoz, R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra, Oscar Longoria, Erin Gámez, Janie Lopez, and Canales.

Here is the delegation’s letter:

April 2, 2024 

The Honorable Antony Blinken 

US Secretary of State
2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 

Subject: Urgent Action Required to Fulfill 1944 Water Treaty Obligations 

Dear Secretary Blinken: 

We, the undersigned members of a bipartisan delegation of state legislators representing the U.S.-Mexico border region, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the ongoing challenges related to water delivery and the apparent non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico. 

As representatives from the South Texas Region, we believe it is imperative to address this matter urgently to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of water resources in accordance with the agreements established more than seven decades ago. 

In our fast-growing region, development is beginning to slow, with numerous communities lacking the water supplies to service new customers. Just last month, we learned that our state’s last sugar mill located here in the Rio Grande Valley was shutting down because of dwindling water supplies. This closure ends production on an estimated 40,000 acres of land, leaving hundreds of Valley residents without jobs. 

The 1944 Water Treaty, also known as the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (known as the “Treaty”), was crafted to facilitate cooperation and allocation of water resources between the United States and Mexico. We are disappointed to observe a persistent shortfall in the delivery of water to our region, specifically an average of 350,000 acre-feet annually, as stipulated in the Treaty. 

The scarcity of water in our region has far-reaching implications for agriculture, ecosystems, and communities on both sides of the border. We recognize the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations and upholding international agreements. It is equally crucial, however, that we honor our commitments to our neighbors and ensure the sustainable use of shared resources. 

We strongly urge the U.S. State Department to take immediate and effective action to rectify the situation, ensuring the delivery of the agreed-upon 350,000 acre-feet of water each year to the United States. We also request transparent communication and collaboration between the federal government, state governments, and relevant stakeholders to address any challenges hindering the fulfillment of obligations under the Treaty. 

Our shared environment and the well-being of our communities depend on the responsible and equitable management of water resources. By upholding the principles outlined in the 1944 Water Treaty, we can foster cooperation, goodwill, and sustainable development in the U.S.-Mexico border region. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your prompt and positive response. 

Respectfully, 

Rio Grande Valley Delegation

Copies of the letter were sent to Commissioner Giner and Gov. Greg Abbott.

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