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

Colorado River Citizens Forum, October 30, 2024 (4-6 p.m.)
2024-10-30 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
**Link to Video**
**Link to presentations**

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Colorado River Citizens Forum board held an in-person and virtual public meeting on
Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. PDT.

• Meghan Thiemann, Civil Engineer/Project Manager, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, provided a system status update for the Lower Colorado River Basin for water year 2025 and discussed hydrology, operations and projections, and drought response actions.
• Robert Cardenas, Assistant Area Operations Manager, USIBWC Yuma Field Office, spoke about the Mexicali Sanitation Binational Technical Committee (BTC), including the status of active and pending projects.

The public meeting was held in person at:
Imperial Irrigation District Board Room
1285 Broadway
El Centro, CA 92243

USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum - December 5, 2024
2024-12-05 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | USIBWC Mercedes Field Office, 325 Golf Course Road, Mercedes, TX, 78570, United States
**Link to Video**
**Link to presentations**

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,
December 5, 2024, from 3-5pm CST.

Juan Uribe, Area Operations Manager, Operations and Maintenance, provided public updates on area operations and land management activities.
Ignacio Farias, Biologist, EGC|AGEISS, provided an update on the Arroyo Colorado vegetation management project.
Delbert Humberson, Hydrologist, USIBWC Water Accounting Division, presented updates to the signing of Minute 331, “Measures to Improve the Reliability and Predictability of Rio Grande Water Deliveries to Benefit the United States and Mexico.” And a brief summary of Rio San Juan discussions.

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

USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum - February 10, 2025
2025-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix) | USIBWC Headquarters Building, 4191 N. Mesa St, El Paso, TX, 79902, United States
**Link to Presentations**
**Link to Video**

The US Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on
Monday, February 10, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. MST

Manuel Herrera, Director of Engineering and Projects, Juarez Municipal Water and Sanitation Board (JMAS), presented an overview of JMAS operations, projects, and drinking water and sanitation systems in the Juárez area.
Yesenia Castro, Engineer, USIBWC Engineering Services Division, presented a program introduction of the USIBWC’s new Sediment Management Program.

The public meeting was held in person at:
USIBWC Headquarters Building
4191 N. Mesa St.
El Paso, TX 79902

USIBWC San Diego Citizens Forum - February 13, 2025
2025-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
**Link to Presentations**
**Link to Video**
The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) San Diego Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on
Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. PST.

USIBWC Commissioner Dr. Maria-Elena Giner and staff presented updates on the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant and its compliance, Minute 328, and transboundary flows.
Brian McNeece, San Diego Citizens Forum Co-Chair, presented on a recent tour the USIBWC Citizens Forum Board took of the City of San Diego’s Ocean Monitoring Lab.
Ryan Kempster, Ocean Monitoring Program Manager, City of San Diego, presented an overview of the city’s Ocean Monitoring Program. Dr. Kempster will also provide updates on recent data collection efforts and the current state of local coastal waters as it relates to the impact of wastewater discharge.

The public meeting was held in person at:
San Ysidro Civic Center
212 W. Park Ave.
San Ysidro, CA 92173

USIBWC Middle Reach Stakeholders Forum - February 19 & February 20, 2025
2025-02-19 00:00 - 2025-02-20 00:00 (America/Phoenix)
**Link to Presentation**
**Link to Video**

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) will host in person and virtual public meetings in the Middle Rio Grande region on
February 19 and 20, 2025.
Presenters will cover the Amistad Dam mitigation plan, the Safety of Dams program, ongoing
and upcoming area operations, and an update on Rio Grande hydrology, water deliveries, and Minute 331. A tour of Amistad Dam was offered on Wednesday, February 19, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. CST

Karla Benitez, USIBWC Civil Engineer: Amistad Dam mitigation plan.
Delbert Humberson, USIBWC Hydrologist: Update on Rio Grande hydrology, water deliveries, and Minute 331.
Mario Gomez, USIBWC Acting Operation and Maintenance Chief: Updates to the Safety
of Dams program and ongoing and upcoming area operations activities

First meeting held on Wednesday, February 19, from 2-5 p.m. CST. at:
Del Rio Municipal Building
109 W Broadway St., Del Rio, Texas
Second meeting held on Thursday, February 20, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. CST at:
Laredo Water Museum
2702 Anna Ave., Laredo, Texas

USIBWC Colorado River Citizens Forum - February 26, 2025
2025-02-26 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Phoenix)
**Link to Presentations**
**Link to Video**
The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Colorado River Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. MST.

Francisco Zamora, Senior Director of Programs, Sonora Institute, and Hydrologist Roberto Rangel, The Nature Conservancy of Mexico, presented on “Environmental Restoration and Ecological Effects Projects along the Colorado River.” They will discuss the observed responses of the hydrologic system, vegetation, and wildlife to habitat and flow restoration in the Colorado River Delta.

Cathy Douglas, Executive Director, Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, presented on the “Yuma East Wetlands Restoration Project,” which aims to revitalize the waterfront area.

Anna Morales, Area Operations Manager, USIBWC Yuma Field Office, presented gaging station telemetry upgrades and live weblinks.

The public meeting was held in person at:
Yuma City Hall, Room 190
1 City Plaza
Yuma, AZ 85364

USIBWC Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum - April 15, 2025
2025-04-15 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Phoenix) | Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona, 350 N. Campbell Ave., tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
**Link to Presentations**
**Link to Video**

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on:
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. MST

John Light, USIBWC Nogales Field Office Area Operations Manager, provided field office updates and the status of the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant rehabilitation project.

Sharon B. Megdal, Director, Water Resources Research Center, & Dr. Elia Tapia Professor, Universidad de Sonora provided a joint presentation on the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program, discuss broader groundwater management efforts in Arizona, and will hold a brief discussion on prioritizing Transboundary Aquifers in the Arizona–Sonora Region.

The public meeting was held in person at:
Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona
350 N. Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719

USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum - April 17, 2025
2025-04-17 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | USIBWC Mercedes Field Office, 325 Golf Course Road, Mercedes, TX, 78570, United States
**Link to Presentations**
**Link to Video**
The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on:
Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. CDT

Joseph Tritz, USIBWC Maintenance Worker Supervisor, presented Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project updates.

Ivan Santos, Graduate Research Engineer with Research, Applied Technology, Education, and Service, Inc, Rio Grande Valley, discussed the development of a demonstrable hydrologic forecasting framework and prototype decision support tool.

The public meeting was held in person at:
USIBWC Mercedes Field Office
325 Golf Course Rd.
Mercedes, TX 78570

USIBWC Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum June 9, 2025
2025-06-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd, Las Cruces, NM, 88007, United States
Link to Video Uploaded After Meeting
Link to Presentations

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Upper Rio Grande Citizens Forum board will host an in-person and virtual public meeting on:
Monday, June 9, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. MDT

USIBWC Area Operations Manager David Duran will provide updates to flood plain operations, recycling programs, and recent water releases.

USIBWC Civil Engineer Luz Favela will provide an update on the American Canal Lower Reach Replacement Project.

The public meeting will be held in person at:
Doña Ana County Government Center, Commission Chambers
845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88007

USIBWC San Diego Citizens Forum June 12, 2025
2025-06-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Link to Video
Link to Presentation

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) San Diego Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on:
Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. PDT

USIBWC Senior Leadership and representatives from PCL Construction and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. provided an update on the acceleration of the incremental expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant from 25 to 35 million gallons per day.

The public meeting was held in person at:
Coronado Community Center
1845 Strand Way
Coronado, CA 92118

USIBWC Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum August 12, 2025
2025-08-12 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | Tubac Community Center, 50 Bridge Road, Tubac, AZ, 85646, United States
Link to Video
Link to Presentations

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Southeast Arizona Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on:
Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. MST.

• Francisco Morales, Project Manager, North American Development Bank, presented on his agency’s wastewater projects aimed at preventing transboundary flows in the Nogales, Arizona, area.
• Joaquin Marruffo Ruiz, Border Programs Administrator, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, provided an update on progress, challenges, and plans for the Oso Wash and Brickwood Canyon projects in Arizona.

The public meeting was held in person at:
Tubac Community Center
Santa Cruz County, North Facility
50 Bridge Road, Tubac, AZ 85646

USIBWC Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum August 14, 2024
2025-08-14 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Indiana/Tell_City) | USIBWC Mercedes Field Office, 325 Golf Course Road, Mercedes, TX, 78570, United States
Link to Video
Link to Presentations

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on:
Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. CDT

• Frank Lazo, USIBWC Dam Operator Supervisor, provided updates on operations and maintenance at Anzalduas and Retamal dams, including future projects.
• Dr. Apurba Borah USIBWC Lead Hydraulic Engineer, discussed progress on the Arroyo Colorado Dredging Design Project in Hidalgo and Cameron counties, Texas.

The public meeting was held in person at:
USIBWC Mercedes Field Office
325 Golf Course Rd.
Mercedes, TX 78570

USIBWC Colorado River Citizens Forum August 27 - Virtual Meeting
2025-08-27 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Phoenix)
Link to Presentation
Link to Meeting Recording

The US Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Colorado River Citizens Forum board hosted a virtual public meeting on:
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 4-6pm MST

• Katrina Grantz, Deputy Regional Director with the Bureau of Reclamation, presented on the operational challenges of the Glen Canyon Dam (GCD). Her presentation will include a high-level overview of GCD infrastructure, updates on maintenance activities such as re-lining the river outlet works, interim operating criteria for the river outlet works, and the status of related studies
• Dan Bunk, Area Manager of the Boulder Canyon Operations Office, Bureau of Reclamation, provided an overview of the Lake Mead/Powell Tiers and their use in federal decision-making for annual operations. Additionally, Mr. Bunk will present a hydrology update and walk through the August 24-Month Study tier determinations for the 2026 operating year.
The public meeting was held virtually.

Rio Grande Coordinated Monitoring Meeting
2026-04-22 09:00 - 22:00 (America/Phoenix) | Virtual meeting
Annual coordinated monitoring meeting to discuss water quality monitoring activities and issues for the Rio Grande Basin.
Minutes: Click Here
