Cornyn Introduces Levee Reimbursement Legislation For Lower Rio Grande Valley

Press Release

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) today introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate authorizing federal reimbursement of levee repairs to local government entities. Sen. Cornyn's legislation would authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to reimburse local governments for levee rehabilitation efforts.

"When faced with great challenges that impacted the safety of local residents, Hidalgo County leaders rose to the occasion and made the necessary repairs to the levee system to improve both flood control and border security efforts. It is now time for the federal government to live up to its commitment.

"My legislation would not only allow Hidalgo County taxpayers to recover the local funds already spent, it would also ensure that the levee system can continue to be updated as needed to provide greater safety and security for all residents of the Lower Rio Grande Valley."

The legislation would allow county governments in the Lower Rio Grande Valley to be reimbursed by the IBWC for repairs to their outdated levee system. The IBWC reported in 2007 that the levees along the Rio Grande River were inadequate to protect Texas communities in a 100-year flood event, and a number of levees in the Lower Rio Grande Valley would have to be raised to protect against flooding.

Senator Cornyn serves on the Finance, Judiciary, Armed Services and Budget Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee's Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

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