Residents urge council to protect Rio Grande access and remove concertina wire

Three residents and community advocates used the public-comment portion of the June 2 meeting to call for greater protection of the Rio Grande and restoration of river access in Eagle Pass.

Amedicaia Greywall, speaking on behalf of border-vigil and environmental groups, urged the council to recognize the Rio Grande as a living entity, prioritize environmental impacts and partner with regional organizations to protect the river ecosystem. She said environmental degradation threatens local livelihoods and infrastructure.

Megan Stewart described kayaking the Rio Grande and said she observed concertina wire both on the banks and in the river, urging the council to press for removal and to commission a flooding study to assess how the wire moves during heavy rains. Jesse Fuentes, representing the Eagle Pass Border Coalition and a local canoe and kayak team, promoted a 'Returning to the River' campaign, told council he previously pursued three proposed fishing stations with estimated costs (one station at Shelby Park was discussed), and said state Rep. Eddie Morales had allocated $1 million (as he reported) for related work. Fuentes also urged the city to seek removal of shipping containers at Shelby Park and to consider reuse of recycled water to help refill Maverick County Lake.

Council members thanked the public commenters and noted interest in river access and environmental coordination with other agencies; no formal action was taken at the meeting on these requests.