The Rio Grande Valley (RGV), situated along the US-Mexico border in southeastern Texas, grapples with recurring flooding owing to its low-lying terrain and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. This persistent challenge stems from a nexus of factors spanning built, natural, and social domains, including rapid urbanization, aging infrastructure ill-equipped for hydrological demands, and the presence of marginalized communities such as colonias lacking adequate drainage systems. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the researchers adopted a comprehensive approach, integrating sustained community engagement and prioritizing the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable populations with the primary aim to craft a resilience roadmap geared towards implementing pragmatic adaptation strategies. Through a series of community forums, focus groups, and surveys, they sought to amplify the voices of those directly impacted by flooding, ensuring their perspectives shape the development of resilience strategies.

Award Recipient:

• Dr. Ali Nejat, Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Whitacre College of Engineering
  

Community Partners:

• Cameron county
• Hidalgo County
• Willacy County