1. RIO GRANDE WATERSHED FEDERAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE (RGWFCC) BACKGROUND: Congressman Sylvestre Reyes formed the RGWFCC in response to the need for improved coordination between federal agencies. Since its inception, the RGWFCC has been co-chaired by Peter Brock of Congressman Reyes’ Office, and Jim Stefanov of the USIBWC. MEETINGS TO DATE: November 2002-El Paso, January 2003-El Paso, April 2003-Albuquerque, January 2004-El Paso, and May 2004-El Paso. *The next meeting is scheduled for October 2004 in South Texas.

2. RGWFCC Mission The mission of the RGWFCC is to facilitate multi-system and whole basin management through sharing information and expertise, identifying, developing and communicating priorities, and collaborating actively and assisting in coordinated efforts with each other and other agencies.

3. RGWFCC-Anticipated Benefits  Promotes a watershed approach to dealing with natural resources issues  Is consistent with the Presidents Management agenda, demonstrated interagency collaboration can result in higher business case scores by OMB for project budget requests  Provides a mechanism to develop an integrated approach to the management of federal projects in a very large and diverse watershed  Provides a forum for resolving policy and programmatic conflicts between federal agencies  Provides structured coordination with state/local government agencies and watershed groups  Will minimize duplication of effort  A high level of coordination could help leverage resources as it has for the Chesapeake Bay and Florida Everglades initiatives

4. RGWFCC Member Agencies Bureau of ReclamationBureau of Indian Affairs U.S. Army Corps of EngineersUSDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Department of EnergyUSDA Forest Service Economic Development Agency *USDA Agricultural Research Service International Boundary & Water Commission*Federal Highway Administration National Park Service*USDA Farm Services Agency National Weather Service*USDA Cooperative Extension Service Bureau of Land Management*Western Area Power Administration Environmental Protection Agency*Department of Homeland Security U.S. Geological Survey*Department of Defense U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service*Department of Health and Human Services *U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission *Have not yet participated