New riverfront advisory committee urges data‑driven review of federal border barriers

The Rio Grande Riverfront Coordination Advisory Committee — formed by the mayor and chaired by a community member — presented a data‑driven mandate focused on protecting municipal lands and infrastructure along the Rio Grande.

Vice chair Hector Alaniz outlined five priorities: public safety and flood resilience; economic continuity tied to the city’s port operations; environmental stewardship of the Rio Grande; preserving community access to green spaces; and governance and transparency. He said the committee is reviewing March and April technical reports and urged that federal proposals be measured against local flood‑risk studies before final designs or installations proceed.

"The goal is simple: ensure federal infrastructure projects do not compromise city operations or trap public land," the committee vice chair said. He recommended continued negotiation tactics with the federal government and a comprehensive flood‑risk study for the full 41‑mile corridor.

Council members thanked the committee and emphasized the need for evidence‑based positions in federal talks. The committee pledged to continue coordination with city staff and to present findings to council as federal plans progress.

Next steps: the committee will seek completed flood‑risk analysis results and share recommendations with city management and council for use in federal negotiations.