Rep. Cuellar Secures Three Provisions Supporting Future Rio Grande Basin Water Projects

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) secured three provisions supporting future Corps of Engineers water studies and projects across the Rio Grande Basin and Texas border counties. The provisions were included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026), which passed in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday, July 14. Together, they expand opportunities for future water planning, flood protection and environmental restoration in South Texas. One provision makes the Rio Grande Basin eligible for a comprehensive Corps of Engineers watershed assessment. The study could examine water supply, drought, flooding, ecosystem health and long-term water planning to help identify future infrastructure needs. Another provision expands eligibility for Rio Grande border counties, including Webb, Zapata and Starr counties, to compete for future Corps projects that reduce flood damage, protect riverbanks and restore natural waterways. Finally, a third provision strengthens the Rio Grande Basin's eligibility for future Corps of Engineers work related to harmful algal blooms and water quality. The designation supports future monitoring, the testing of new technologies and mitigation efforts to help address algal blooms in the Basin. “The three provisions I secured in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 put the Rio Grande Basin and our border counties in position to get more support in the future,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Being named an eligible basin or focus area is how projects like the ones we've already secured for Laredo, Starr County, Jim Hogg County and Zapata County get their start. I'll keep working to make sure South Texas has a seat at the table every time the Corps sets its priorities.” ###