210707 coalition bwip housesenapprops

Published

July 07, 2021

Share

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

210707 coalition bwip housesenapprops