The International Boundary and Water Commission is almost completely reliant on Congressional appropriations or emergency funding, which has led to delays in water conservation and cross-border pollution efforts.
Democratic Rep. Scott Peters introduced a bipartisan bill to address that issue on Thursday. The legislation would authorize the IBWC to accept funding from federal and non-federal entities for its efforts.
“Our state and local partners have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of this environmental and public health crisis,” said Peters in a statement.
“Additional funding pathways for the IBWC provides the flexibility we need to better invest in the long-term health and well-being of our region.”
The legislation would allow other agencies — such as the city of San Diego and the state of California — and others to provide funding to the IBWC.
Cross-border projects addressing the sewage pollution crisis are currently underway, Peters’ office said. An increase in funding available from non-federal entities would support those projects and increase coordination between local, federal, and binational agencies.
Peters and the San Diego Congressional delegation have now secured a total of $650 million for the IBWC, which is enough to fully repair and expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plan.
An overview of the bill can be read here.
