Laredo Times

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) has proposed a bill and secured $500,000 to protect and extend cattle grazing leases in Zapata County along the Mexican border in Texas, properties that some families’ ancestors have worked for over a century.

The move came when farmers faced termination of their grazing rights after receiving letters from the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) that their grazing leases would be terminated.  

“This year, over 100 Zapata ranchers almost lost their grazing land, potentially forcing their families and their cattle to leave during the coronavirus pandemic,” Cuellar said on his website. “This funding will allow IBWC to fully support these ranchers and industry in Zapata and the state of Texas, preventing ranchers from being vacated from their land. In addition, the funding will allow the EPA to obtain public input on possible changes to the grazing lease program. I am committed to fighting for our ranchers in Zapata so they can continue to provide for our community.”

According to bordererport.com, no reason was given by the IBWC for the termination. However, construction of the Falcon Dam in 1954 to control flooding along the Rio Grande has caused lake levels to fluctuate over the years. During recent droughts, lake levels fell and farmers’s cattle grazed on the expanded grassy fields. Between 2009 and 2017, 78 of the cattle grazing leases on property determined to be in a floodplain were cancelled, the report added.

Cuellar’s website said he secured $250,000 through the National Environmental Policy Act to administer grazing leases and extend renewals of the rights. The congressman achieved another $250,000 to establish an Environmental Protection Act review of testimony from Zapata County ranchers on how best to use the land and its environment.

Congress in 1935 authorized the IBWC to lease land along the Mexico-U.S. border for cattle grazing. Its purpose was to maintain properties and clear vegetation along the Rio Grande, benefiting local agriculture.

Cuellar said the proposed legislation would protect farmers from losing their land.

The bill goes to the House for a vote before moving to the Senate.