Dear Chairs Collins and Cole, Vice Chair Murray, and Ranking Member DeLauro:
The undersigned coalition of state and local chambers of commerce are writing to express our appreciation for preserving meaningful funding for the Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP) in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. This critical program, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the North American Development Bank (NAD Bank), plays a vital role in addressing water and wastewater infrastructure challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border. The program currently has 49 unfunded projects with a need of more than $200 million.
The BWIP has a proven track record of improving public health and environmental conditions in border communities on both sides of the border by funding essential water and wastewater projects that would otherwise be financially unfeasible for local governments. These investments have significantly reduced untreated sewage flows into the U.S. particularly in regions like the Tijuana River Valley, where cross-border pollution has long posed a threat to both ecosystems and human health. For instance, we are pleased that Congress provided the remainder of the funding needed to complete the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Our organizations believe that the BWIP is a strategic asset in reducing bilateral tensions and enhancing national security. Inadequate wastewater infrastructure in Mexican border communities often leads to transboundary pollution, which fuels diplomatic strain and undermines binational cooperation.
By supporting infrastructure improvements on both sides of the border, the BWIP fosters goodwill, strengthens regional stability, and reinforces our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and national security. Clean water access and effective wastewater treatment are foundational to resilient communities, and their absence has led to public health concerns and may exacerbate migration pressures.
Therefore, we request that you continue to prioritize meaningful funding for the Border Water Infrastructure Program as your work on the appropriations process continues. Further investment will not only protect public health and the environment but also advance U.S. national and economic security interests in the region.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to the well-being of our border communities.
Sincerely,
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Arizona
Apache Junction Area Chamber of Commerce
Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce
Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Graham County Chamber of Commerce
Greater Phoenix Chamber
Nogales Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce
Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce
Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce
Sky Islands Regional Partnership
Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Southern Arizona
Yuma County Chamber of Commerce
California
California Chamber of Commerce
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce
Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce
North San Diego Business Chamber
Orange County Business Council
San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce
San Marcos Chamber of Commerce
Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce
Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce
Vista Chamber of Commerce
Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce
New Mexico
Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
Texas
Deer Park Chamber of Commerce
Del Rio Chamber of Commerce
Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce
El Paso Chamber
Houston West Chamber of Commerce
Hurst Euless Bedford Chamber of Commerce
Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Longview Chamber of Commerce
Metro San Antonio Chamber
Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce
North Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce
North Texas Commission
Texas Association of Business
Trinity Valley Chamber of Commerce
United Corpus Christi
