Brownsville man reappointed to Rio Grande Regional Water Authority

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has appointed seven members, including a Brownsville man, to the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2013.

The authority develops water policies, manages floods and protects the quality of water for the Rio Grande that borders Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata and Webb counties.

Joe A. Barrera III, of Brownsville, is general manager of the Brownsville Irrigation District. Barrera is being reappointed, and serves as secretary and treasurer of the authority.

Also reappointed to the agency are rancher Dario "D.V." Guerra Jr., of Edinburg; Sonny Hinojosa, of Edinburg, who is general manager of Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2; Sonia Kaniger, of San Benito, who is general manager of Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2; farmer and rancher Jimmie Steidinger, of Donna; Frank "JoJo" White, of Progreso Lakes, who is general manager of Irrigation District No. 9 for Hidalgo and Cameron counties.

Joe Pennington, of Raymondville, is an agricultural producer for Pennington Farms Inc. He replaces Glenn D. Wilde, of Lyford.

The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.