USGS and local partners press council to join Urban Waters Federal Partnership; city asked to name steering‑committee member

Federal and local scientists and environmental groups presented the Urban Waters Federal Partnership to the El Paso City Council on Sept. 16 and asked the city to join the program’s steering committee and help secure an “ambassador” to coordinate local efforts.

America Alvarez, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s New Mexico Water Science Center and an El Paso native, outlined the program’s three objectives: improve coordination among federal, state and local partners; collaborate with community‑led efforts to restore and protect waterways; and break down agency silos so federal resources align with local priorities. Alvarez said Urban Waters locations are designated by the EPA and that nearby designated locations include Albuquerque and San Antonio.

Alvarez and other presenters described design and monitoring priorities including water‑quality and quantity monitoring, habitat protection, stormwater issues and community outreach. She said the program’s usual operating model includes an Urban Waters ambassador — a coordinator housed in a local organization — who facilitates partnerships and helps applicants access federal and private funding. Alvarez said federal grant funding for ambassadors has been limited recently but listed potential funding avenues including USGS cooperative matching funds and private‑sector grant partners that support urban watershed restoration.

Representatives from the El Paso Community Foundation, High Desert Native Plants and local watershed advocates told council that demonstration projects are already under way — including stormwater and rainwater‑harvesting features at the McCall Neighborhood Center — and urged the city to take a seat on the steering committee so El Paso can access federal technical resources and grant programs.

Council members asked staff whether joining the steering committee would require a city financial commitment. Staff said no formal, immediate financial obligation is required to join the steering committee, but that an ambassador position (preferred full time) will eventually require funding and that council would have the opportunity to approve any budget commitments. Representative Nino, who sponsored the discussion item, said staff should return in two weeks with a recommendation to direct the city manager to appoint a city representative to the steering committee.

Council did not take an immediate vote to join the partnership but agreed to continue the discussion and to bring back recommended next steps so that the city can formally take part in the steering committee.