A GRID Enabled Border: Internet2 Solutions to Global Challenges Carlos Casasus Corporacion Universitaria para el Desarrollo de Internet A.C. Bob Gray, P.E. University of Texas at El Paso
Challenges of the United States – Mexico Border Region Rapid industrialization Expanding population Low income levels Uncertain water supply Lack of infrastructure Poor air quality Lack of hazardous waste facilities
Border Characteristics Population over 12 million Projected to double within 20 years 2500 kilometer border Ecosystems –Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts; –Rio Grande and Colorado River Systems –Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevadas 10 States 14 Pairs of Sister Cities
Paso del Norte: Regional Overview A Tri-state, Bi-national Community New Mexico Texas Chihuahua Sunland Park Cd. Juarez El Paso 2000 Population: 2 Million
Commonalities 400 Year HistoryShared Water Supplies And Other Resources Diverse Culture and Population
Binational Commissions and Organizations Border Environment Cooperation Commission
Key Binational Iniatives Healthy Border 2010 Border 2012
Common Methodology M obilize Key Participants A ssess and Prioritize Issues P lan I mplement Plans T rack Accomplishments
Organizational Approach Divide the border into Regions –California/Baja California –Arizona/Sonora –West Texas/New Mexico/Chihuahua –Texas/Nueva Leon, Coahuila, Tamaulipas Establish Focus Groups –Assess, prioritize issues, strategic planning Establish Work Groups –Implement and Track Activities
Binational Challenges Lack of Current, Consistent and Accurate Information Multi-jurisdictional Control Different Governmental Policies Data Access Trust and Collaboration Varying Capacities and Resources Communications and Information Infrastructure
Internet2 – CUDI Solutions Critical Communication Infrastructure Data Collection and Analysis – Core to Research, Development and Education Transcends Governmental Boundaries Leverages Resources and Capacities Increased Opportunities for Research Provides for and Promotes Collaboration
Prototype Solutions US-Mexico Border Health Information Network Border Needs Assessment and Toolkit Paso del Norte Ozonemap.org Paso del Norte Mapping for Public Access Paso del Norte Colonias Monitoring Project
Border Health Information Network
Secure Login for Health Professionals and Commission Members
Interactive Suite of Tools
Access to Data and Interactive Maps
Border Needs Assessment and Toolkit
Ozonemap.org Similar to EPA AIRNOW project 3D helps visualize the effects of terrain Bi-national display of near real time pollution levels
Paso del Norte Mapping for Public Access
Interactive Tools
Data and Document Clearinghouse
Terrorism Preparedness and Response Main interface –Spill information Parameter input –Site/spill location GIS platform –Help files
Real-time Response
HUD Colonias Project
Transboundary Information Management System Collaboration of US and Mexico Internet2/CUDI Institutions Initiative of Geospatial I2 Work Group Built on existing programs Open to –Interested I2/CUDI Partners –Governmental Agencies Client Based
TRIMS Strategic Approach To conduct a series of 10 Video Conference Workshops using I2 Commons to: Develop a Strategic Plan for Implementation of a comprehensive Border Information System Define Critical End Users and Stakeholders Define Standards Establish Working Relationships Establish Critical Infrastructure For Research and Information Exchange Applications Development Establish Potential for Expansion to other International Applications.
TRIMS Information Register at For more information: