The International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico (IBWC), has adopted new maps of the international boundary line along the Rio Grande. The maps were adopted in accordance with the 1970 Boundary Treaty, which specifies that the boundary is the middle of the river channel of greatest average width over its length. By treaty, the Commission is the entity responsible for determining the location of the U.S.-Mexico border and delineating it on maps.

U.S. Commissioner C.W. “Bill” Ruth and Mexican Commissioner Roberto F. Salmon signed Minute 315 adopting the new maps on November 5, 2009. The Minute was subsequently approved by the two Governments, bringing it into force as an agreement between the United States and Mexico.

“The Commission was originally established in 1889 to resolve boundary disputes when the river channel shifted,” said Commissioner Ruth. “Delineating the international boundary remains an important part of our mission to this day.”

“The new maps give authorities and people in both countries certainty as to the location of the international boundary along 2060 kilometers (1280 miles) where the Rio Grande forms the border between Mexico and the United States,” said Commissioner Salmon.

The complete text of Minute 315 is available on the web page of the U.S. Section of the Commission at http://www.ibwc.gov/Treaties_Minutes/Minutes.html. The U.S. Section will make the new maps available on its web page in the near future.

The Commission has also initiated work to prepare new boundary maps for the Colorado River, which forms the U.S.-Mexico border for 24 miles near Yuma, Arizona-San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora.

Contact:
Sally Spener
915-832-4175
sallyspener@ibwc.gov