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The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) announced Wednesday a major setback for the Brownsville Weir Project.

Officials with the IBWC said Matamoros does not want to participate in the project.

Brownsville Mayor Pat Ahumada said the Brownsville-Matamoros Weir project would have increased water reserves for the United States and Mexico, as well as served as an alternative to the border fence.

However, Ahumada said Mexico no longer considers the project a priority.

The mayor said both cities spent $5 million dollars on studies that indicated the project was a viable solution.

Now, Ahumada said city leaders are making new plans for the money originally set aside for the project.

"We have no choice but to regroup here in Brownsville and reconsider our priority," explained Ahumada.  "Since Weir is not a priority, instead of a bi-national project, I will focus on a local-state project."

Ahumada said leaders will send the $18.5 million in federal funds back to Washington, D.C., and reapply for the money for a resaca restoration project.