Mexico and the United States Agree To Split Costs Over Reparation of Texas' Largest Reservoir

One of the dams that provides water to thousands of people across the United States-Mexico border will receive a much needed renovation after both governments agreed to split the cost to fixing sinkholes and other repairs in the Amistad International Reservoir, the largest wellspring in terms of acre-feet capacity in Texas.

The agreement was signed on Dec. 10, 2024 in El Paso and since then has been approved by both governments. With a slight tweak to the 1944 international water treaty —a treaty in which Mexico is obliged to deliver water so that it can be stored in the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs— both countries will be splitting the costs: the U.S. pledging to pay 56.2% of the costs while Mexico will pay 43.8% of the costs for the project's repairs.

After the International Boundary and Water Commission announced the project on Dec. 31, a 37-page agreement detailed that the repairs "must be implemented to reduce the risk of failure at Amistad International Dam due to presence of sinkholes and seepage."

As Border Report highlights, the Amistad Dam Port of Entry was closed temporarily last January due to maintenance relating to the sinkholes shortly after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers declared it "potentially unsafe," according to IBWC Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner.

Due to the urgent need of the repairs, both countries stated that works for the construction of the Composite Cutoff Wall on the Mexican side of the reservoir "earthen embankment are declared to be of an extraordinary or emergency nature."

Similarly, Giner said in a statement that experts had determined the sinkholes were a cause for concern and that they are continually monitoring the safety of the dam and will keep the surrounding area informed of any progress during the project.

As part of the deal, Mexico pledged to pay $20 million for Phase I of the reconstruction costs, while the U.S. is expected to pay a little more due to pledging to pay for 56.2% of the project.

Amistad International Reservoir to be repaired in two phases

As both the U.S. and Mexico prepare to carry out with the project, the repairs will be divided into two phases, one for contracting the project design and the other for construction.

The first phase began back on Sept. 17 and experts think it will be finished by March 2025. Once the construction phase begins, it is expected to take up to 30 months to finish the whole project.

The repairs come at a great time, as the dam has been losing water for years and droughts during 2024 affected the water supply for people in the region. Northern Mexico faced its most severe drought since 2011, impacting communities, agriculture, and dam levels. Texas, also experienced record-low water levels in the Rio Grande and implemented water restrictions for households and businesses with some counties going as far as declaring states of emergency.

Apart from providing water to thousands of people in the area, the Amistad Dam has a significant economic impact in the region too. A 2020 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report found that the dam and lake provide over $76 million in annual public benefits to the U.S. alone, including $44 million for recreation.

"This critical project will ensure that water is stored securely as well as bolster an integral energy source in South Texas," said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar. He added that the project protects South Texas from the potential impacts of flooding while also "providing a supply of water for our municipalities, agriculture producers, and irrigation districts."