Arroyo Colorado

May 31, 2008

Hola Arroyo Colorado Partners,

First of all, I want to acknowledge the ongoing work of the LRGV TPDES Stormwater Task Force (Task Force), an important partner in the protection of water quality. As you may know, the Task Force is a voluntary association of 14 Valley cities affected by federal stormwater runoff regulations. With the assistance of TAMU-Kingsville, the Task Force is helping local governments comply with the Phase II stormwater regulations, including the development of individual stormwater management programs (SWMPs).

Notices of intent for the SWMPs were submitted this past February and the Task Force is now working with the cities on the implementation of the plans. Currently, our Outreach and Education (O&E) workgroup is working with the Task Force on a storm drain marking campaign. We have tentatively decided on metal markers and plan to place them on a number of storm drains this fall. The beauty of working together on this project is the pooling of resources and getting the most for our Partners’ time and money.

Check out the attached document highlighting the 2008 Texas Environmental Excellence Award Winners. Of the 11 awards given in the state, three of them are for work in the Lower Rio Grande Valley! Congratulations to the City of McAllen Recycling Center, Texas Water Resource Institute, and the Bahia Grande Restoration Partnership. I also want to acknowledge the Nueces River Authority for their award in the realm of environmental education. Their watershed model is the centerpiece of their O&E program and we are fortunate to be working and learning from them.

There are several important upcoming events:

• June 25, 2008, TxDOT Workshop on Context Sensitive Solutions (transportation and regional planning). See the attached flyer.
• June 27, 2008, The Texas Chapter American Planning Association in cooperation with the Texas Association of Regional Councils is sponsoring a planning workshop. Session topics include: the importance of planning, roles and responsibilities of a Planning Commissioner, a comprehensive plan that works, planning in communities with limited staff, and tools to implement planning. Contact Xavier Cervantes, City of McAllen, at (956) 681-1263, xcervantes@mcallen.net for more information.
• July 14-17, 2008, 10th Annual EPA Region 6 MS4 Operators Conference to be held in Waco, Texas. For more information contact branch.terry@epa.gov, (214) 665-6667.

Stay cool,

Laura