Started class with a brief discussion of chapter 1 of Ann Majchrzak, Methods for Policy Research (on reserve). Discussed the differences between policy research and policy analysis, and started to look at the steps in the policy research process as outlined in the readings. The chapter is on reserve at the library, and the discussion will continue next week.

Professor Schmandt reminded class that the latest class information is always posted weekly on the class website.

Some discussion followed because there was concern that the class project would be duplicating the UTEP study on the web. It was concluded that we would not be duplicating the UTEP study, and would proceed with our own investigations.

The individual presentations followed. The main points are summarized as follows:

Sally:

Has been researching the IBWC and found that it is responsible for

1) Water accounting and administering the terms of the international agreement

2) Infrastructures along the river, such as dams and waterways

3) Constructing, dealing with sanitation problems, monitoring water quality

Juan:

Has been researching 'Frontera/Border 21', which expands on the la Paz agreement

- it is divided into 8 work groups, divided by regions

- the Mexico-Texas-Chihuahua work group develops infrastructure on the US side, and in Cd. Juárez

established to run from 1996 to 2000

The ECC is a trilateral commission coming out of NAFTA which does technical research. Also involved will work on finding more information on CILA

Kristen:

Has been researching Las Cruces, NM and Doña Ana County

- big center for milk production

Also looked at the conservation programs in El Paso, and population and water rates.

Paula:

Brought up the 43^rd Annual New Mexico Water Conference ("Water Challenges on the Lower Rio Grande") which is coming up on October 21-23 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. $40 for students

Has been researching irrigation districts, found that there are no specific sites on the web. Found there is a water district called El Paso #1, will look into other districts in area.

Sandra:

Has been researching Ciudad Juárez

- it is bigger than El Paso, population mainly between 15-35 yrs old

- growing maquiladora industry is helping high unemployment

- even though education is low, there are 3 universities there

- majority of taxes collected go to Mexico City

will look into the utilities there and other water options

Jennifer:

Has been researching City of El Paso

gathered various statistics and population projections

- conservation program in city has been very successful and is laudable

- city pioneered reclaimed water program

will look more into reclaiming waste water and conservation efforts between the two cities

Travis:

Has been researching the Rio Grande Project and explored WEAP

- project planning Is going from phase 1 to phase 2, includes millions of dollars

- includes options such as pumping water, recharging aquifers, piping water

found WEAP to be powerful, requires extensive data and initial information

José

Has been researching supply and demand numbers and water problems

- river water salty, ground water depletion and deterioration

- recharge project attempting to level out groundwater levels

Rachel:

Has been researching federal and state agencies involved

- investigated the TNRCC, esp. the water resource management division

- researched the CNA in Mexico, will also look into state of Chihuahua

brought up question of who controls Elephant Butte where the compact ends

Mary:

Has been researching Senate Bill 1 which passed legislature, and new division in TNRCC

- bill recognizes hydrologic connection between ground and surface water

- gives local groups much more power, will have great implications

- El Paso is considered a "priority groundwater management area"

Advisors said they would place copy of the UTEP report in the project room once they get the published version. In the meantime, the report is available on the web.

Workplan

A first draft of everybody’s work plan will be due Oct. 15 for those who can, or else Oct. 22. It must include the following four sections:

1- a paragraph defining the topic (your edited version of the posted Fall Assignment text)

2- an annotated outline with headings, subheadings and a short paragraph per point

3- a list of sources of information which have been found or need to be found

4- a list of people or organizations which can be interviewed.

We shall schedule time for class presentations of reports.

Next week:

Overview of the Paso del Norte.