SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A “Call for Projects” issued by the North American Development Bank for water conservation proposals in the Lower Rio Grande Valley has been extended to February 10.
Previously, NADBank has asked for applications to be submitted by January 8.
“NADBank is pleased to announce an initial request for proposals to support urgent water conservation investments in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, specifically within Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties, where prolonged drought conditions have significantly reduced river flows, impacting both agriculture and municipal water deliveries,” NADBank said.
Click here to read more about the Call for Projects.
“The US Mexico border region faces some of the most pressing water challenges in North America, marked by growing populations, changing climate conditions and competing demands across urban, agricultural and ecological systems,” NADBank stated.
“Protecting our shared water resources is not only an environmental imperative, but a foundation for public health, economic resilience and regional stability.”
In response to this challenge, on August 29, 2025, NADBank announced the launch of its Water Resiliency Fund, commonly referred to as the WRF, with an initial funding allocation of up to $300 million in low interest rate loans and up to $100 million in concessional financing from retained earnings over the next five years. A
NADBank said available funding will be deployed in a phased approach, initially prioritizing high impact opportunities for conservation and water use efficiency in agriculture, followed by an effort to extend WRF resources to improve municipal water management, including water conservation and supply diversification.
“Recognizing that water is essential to the long-term well-being of communities in the U.S.-Mexico border region, NADBank established the Water Resiliency Fund (WRF) to address critical financing gaps for infrastructure projects that strengthen the resilience of water resources in the region,” NADBank said.
“Eligible projects under the WRF may be financed through a combination of grants and low-interest rate loans. NADBank may complement these instruments with its traditional, commercially based financing to broaden the scope and impact of available funding.”
A project must be located within 100 kilometers north or 300 kilometers south of the U.S.-Mexico border and address an infrastructure need in one of the following categories:
Water conservation in agriculture
Projects that support the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure to reduce water losses, as well as new infrastructure that promotes more efficient water use, including water control, diversion, storage and delivery systems, as well as on-farm irrigation management systems.
Water resource diversification in municipal systems
Projects that support improvements to existing water supply sources, the development of new surface or groundwater sources or the use of impaired-quality sources; facilities for water reuse (both non-potable and indirect potable reuse), including treatment plants and conveyance systems; and stormwater capture and reuse through conventional or or low-impact development infrastructure.
Water conservation in municipal systems
Projects for new infrastructure, the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, or the installation of equipment or systems that enhance water conservation and reduce water loss within municipal infrastructure.
To ensure balanced support throughout the border region, NADBank says WRF sources will be divided equally between Mexico and the United States, with 50% allocated to projects in each country.
“Available funding will be deployed in a phased approach, initially prioritizing high-impact opportunities for conservation and water use efficiency in agriculture. As additional funding becomes available, WRF priorities will be revisited with the expectation to expand support to include municipal water use based on evolving needs and opportunities,” NADBank said.
“From time to time, NADBank will issue a call for projects targeting one or more regions, water sectors or project groups. Such opportunities will be posted here, and announcements will be distributed using NADBank’s social media platforms and other outreach methods.”
