Letter to Mr. Edward Drusina, Commissioner International Boundary and Water Commission

Letter

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today offered his assistance to leaders from Hidalgo and Starr counties as residents there are experiencing major flooding resulting from Hurricane Alex and a subsequent tropical depression. Sen. Cornyn spoke to Hidalgo County Judge Rene Ramirez and Starr County Judge Eloy Vera earlier today and assured them he and his staff stand ready to assist them as they work to secure relief and recovery funding for impacted residents.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the residents in South Texas who have had their homes and businesses damaged by recent flooding, as well as those who are not yet in the clear as flooding continues to threaten the region. I urge these Texans to take every precaution to protect themselves and their homes and to follow the recommendations of their local leaders and FEMA officials.

"I had the chance to speak to both Judge Ramirez and Judge Vera today, and I assured them both that I stand ready to assist them as they work to secure the necessary relief and recovery funding for those impacted by the flooding.

"We also discussed my recent letter to IBWC Commissioner Edward Drusina, urging him to move quickly to reinforce the Rio Grande levees, which are outdated and not able to fully protect Valley residents against flooding. I'm hopeful Commissioner Drusina will heed my call and take swift action to update the levees before another storm approaches the coast."

Sen. Cornyn's letter to Edward Drusina, Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC):

Mr. Edward Drusina, Commissioner
International Boundary and Water Commission
U.S. Section
4171 North Mesa, Suite C-100
El Paso, TX 79902-1441

Dear Commissioner Drusina:

As Hurricane Alex approaches the South Texas - Northeastern Mexico border we strongly urge the International Boundary and Water Commission (the Commission) to act quickly in reviewing and implementing flood control improvements and reinforcements to local levees along the Rio Grande River (the River).

As you know, the Commission has overseen improvements to the levee system in recent years, with many of the levees having been raised to strengthen flood mitigation efforts. While we applaud this important and necessary work, it is also vital that the agency takes precautionary measures to ensure the availability of equipment, machinery and manpower as Alex bears down on the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. With heavy rainfall and flooding forecasted, it is likely that the integrity of the structures will be tested. A levee breakthrough or failure could prove disastrous, endangering thousands and threatening area communities, property and infrastructure.

The Commission provides an indispensable service to Texans in the Rio Grande Valley, and you may be certain that we will work together to ensure that the agency has the necessary resources to ensure the integrity of the levees along the River. We appreciate your efforts to review our request in a timely manner, and we thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

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