MCALLEN, Texas – The North American Development Bank will commit up to $100 million from its retained earnings over the next five years to urgent water conservation projects along the U.S.-Mexico border.
NADBank Managing Director John Beckham made the announcement at the two-day Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Binational River Symposium hosted by the Texas Water Foundation at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in McAllen.
Beckham said the grants would come from the $400 million Water Resiliency Fund that NADBank's board approved in August. The WRF has been reserved for priority infrastructure projects that maintain and diversify water supply sources throughout the U.S.-Mexico border region.
Beckham said an additional $300 million in low-interest loans would be made available through the bank's regular lending program.
The call for projects will initially focus on the Rio Grande Valley, Beckham said, because of the urgent need to conserve water in that region.
“The decision to undertake this project is cross-border. There is no area of the U.S.-Mexico border region where the bank operates that is not part of this project. However, the lower Rio Grande Valley on both sides of the border is extremely urgent due to the conditions here, and that is why we are beginning a request for proposals here in the Rio Grande Valley,” Beckham said at a news conference.
Proposed projects must demonstrate clear results such as: B. Saving water, increasing efficiency or developing new sources, NADBank said in a press release. Examples of eligible measures could include replacing old infrastructure, converting canals into pipelines, reusing and storing water, and using technologies that help monitor and reduce water losses, the release said.
Project applications will be accepted until January 8, 2026.
Editor's Note: Here is an audio recording of the NADBank press conference:
“The Water Resiliency Fund represents more than a drought response – it is a strategic investment in our binational Shard future,” Beckham said. “By targeting funding for critical water conservation projects in the Rio Grande Valley, we strengthen the irrigation district’s infrastructure, support long-term economic prosperity, and advance our shared commitment to water management throughout the border region.”
Troy Allen, general manager of the Delta Lake Irrigation District, attended the press conference.
“We think this is a great idea. We desperately need to make improvements now, and since we can't sell water, we don't have the resources to fund these projects at this time. Most of our systems are dry, so it's an ideal time,” Allen said.
“Every dollar invested in improving irrigation infrastructure saves more water than any other project you can do. Compared to some of the other projects you hear about, we can prove that we are getting good value in dollar terms. The other projects are viable because we have to consider all water sources. But if we can invest in the irrigation district's infrastructure, you will get the most bang for your buck.”
Cameron County Commissioner David Garza said Rio Grande Guardian: “We can talk about 50-year plans for transportation and the like, but if we don't have a reliable and sufficient source of water, all of these infrastructure projects are moot.”
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez said, “Hidalgo County continues to face significant challenges when it comes to water supply and conservation. Our irrigation districts are the heart of regional water management, and their work directly impacts the families, farmers and businesses that depend on this vital resource. I encourage all of our local entities to apply for the Water Resiliency Fund to ensure our communities are better prepared for the future.”
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. said, “The Texas Water Foundation Symposium in McAllen provides an important platform for regional leaders to come together and discuss one of our most pressing challenges – securing a sustainable water future for South Texas. Water is the foundation of Cameron County's prosperity – from our families and businesses to the farms that support our economy. As we continue to face persistent drought and increasing demand, our irrigation districts play a critical role in the management and conservation of this vital resource.”
Treviño added, “I commend the North American Development Bank for its proactive leadership through the Water Resiliency Fund and its commitment to mapping and planning for the Valley's long-term water needs. These collaborative efforts reflect the type of strategic, forward-thinking investments needed to strengthen the water security of the Lower Rio Grande Valley for generations to come.”
In his remarks at the press conference, NADBank's Beckham said Salvador López-Córdova, the group's top environmental official, had been a problem ““He was instrumental in figuring out where to start the new program.” “He's worked with the irrigation districts, the counties and the various municipalities through the TA program and this initial Water Resiliency Fund call. And he's actually the spine that makes this effort successful. But it's a team approach.”
Beckham said Eric Naranjo, deputy director of NADBank, will take on more responsibility to “identify what promising projects we can begin” to ensure the group “provides the greatest benefit in terms of water accessibility to communities in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Beckham then provided a historical perspective.
“The bank has always been concerned with the issue of water. It is a top priority for us. We initially focused primarily on the issues of water, sanitation and distribution for first-time water users. But as the region has successfully grown, the population has increased and chronic droughts and less reliable rainfall have prevailed, we have realized that we need to broaden and broaden our understanding of what it means to invest in water infrastructure. This includes water conservation, water reuse, new water sources such as Desalination, rainwater capture and all the new technologies that can help us achieve this.”
Backham said the program involves something NADBank has not traditionally done, applying technology and new irrigation systems to agricultural users on both sides of the border. “This is no surprise. If you work on the border, you know that 80 percent of the water on both sides is used by agriculture. So if we really want to address and optimize our water resources, we also need to invest heavily in this sector. And that's why the Water Resiliency Fund is also designed to address this issue.”