Dear Chair Leahy, Chair DeLauro, Vice Chair Shelby, and Ranking Member Granger:
We write in support of increased funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of the Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP) to $35 million in the FY2022 Interior and Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
The BWIP protects both the public health of communities and the environment. The program funds essential drinking water and wastewater projects that would otherwise be financially unfeasible for local governments. The flow of sewerage across the border is a decades-old challenge and priority for the business community as it continues to promote building smart, modern, resilient water solutions.
Transboundary water usage requires environmental, political, and technical alternatives to protect citizens from waterborne diseases. Transboundary water migration and the lack of clean drinking water can result in significant public health and environmental challenges on both sides of the border. It is not unusual for residents, visitors, and personnel from the U.S. Border Patrol and the American military to encounter harmful and polluted waste, compromising their health and safety. This further jeopardizes our border security, regional tourism, and communities.
The U.S. Chamber, working with the state and local chambers listed below, includes member companies that can provide technologies, products, and services to drive development, leverage private investment, and implement needed projects. We strongly urge your support for legislation and other activities that provide critical BWIP funding and technical assistance for implementing infrastructure projects that address water pollution and wastewater challenges. Concrete actions and funding are long overdue.
Chuck Chaitovitz, vice president for environmental affairs and sustainability at the U.S. Chamber, will follow up with you and your staff to discuss next steps.
Sincerely,
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce
Visitor & Tourism Center
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce
Texas Association of Business
Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
cc: Members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations
cc: Members of the House Committee on Appropriations
