Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn has issued a statement following the signing of an agreement between the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) within the U.S. Department of State and Mexico. The agreement pertains to the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, providing Mexico with new tools to facilitate water deliveries to the United States.

"I appreciate Commissioner Giner’s willingness to foster open dialogue between Mexico and the State Department to negotiate new tools that will further pressure Mexico to meet their obligations under this treaty, but there is still much more work to be done," said Sen. Cornyn. "Our border communities in the Rio Grande Valley are being crushed by Mexico’s repeatedly delayed water deliveries, and I urge the State Department to prioritize ensuring South Texas farmers and ranchers have the water they are rightfully owed on a more predictable basis."

The treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande's water supply. However, delays in fulfilling these obligations have impacted South Texas farmers' ability to plan for crops. As of November 2024, Mexico is approximately 980,000 acre-feet behind in water deliveries.

The new agreement includes provisions for transferring ownership at Amistad and Falcon Reservoirs, potential credit for early deliveries by Mexico, and opportunities for additional deliveries from other rivers if agreed upon by both countries.

Senator Cornyn has been active in efforts to ensure compliance with treaty obligations, having led initiatives such as urging withholding funds from Mexico until agreements are made and co-sponsoring legislation with Senator Cruz aimed at supporting U.S. diplomats in securing Mexican compliance.

Earlier this year, Cornyn engaged directly with Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding these issues. In February, concerns were raised when a sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages.