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Washington, D.C.—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured the doubling of capital reauthorization for the North American Development Bank’s (NADB) in the United States Mexico Canada Agreement’s (USMCA) implementing language. This investment in NADB will enhance the bank’s ability to fund environmental infrastructure projects on the U.S.-Mexico border.

“Throughout its 25-year history, NADB has enhanced the quality of life for people living along the U.S.-Mexico border by financing infrastructure projects for cleaner water, air and land,” said Congressman Cuellar. “For this reason, I have worked hard to include funding streams for NADB under the USMCA so it can expand its efforts in providing positive outcomes on the U.S.-Mexico border. I am committed to expanding clean energy, promoting a healthy environment, and improving the quality of life on both sides of the border.”

“I want to thank Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal for their leadership in finalizing this trade agreement for the American people. I also want to express my gratitude to Chairwoman Maxine Waters for working with me to advance my bill H.R. 132, the North American Development Bank Improvement and Pollution Solution Act of 2019, through the Financial Service Committee.”

“More than 17 million US-Mexico border residents have been positively impacted by the Bank’s financing of environmental infrastructure. I am pleased that our work in partnership with our many border stakeholders is being validated through the inclusion of authorization language for the capital increase in USMCA,” said Dr. Calixto Mateos-Hanel, Managing Director of the North American Development Bank.

North American Development Bank

The United States and Mexico face serious transborder environmental problems, including air and water pollution and disposal of hazardous wastes. The Rio Grande and Tijuana Rivers are especially environmentally hazardous. 

As a solution, NADB provides financial support for the development and implementation of infrastructure projects to help preserve, protect, and enhance the environment at the borders. Since its creation in 1994, NADB has financed $3.13 billion in 259 projects through loans and grants. The 259 projects represent $9.8 billion in total investment. Over the last 5 years, 42 water and wastewater projects and 16 clean and renewable energy projects have been completed.  Out of the 67 projects with an outstanding loan from NADB, 30 involved private sector financing. Of the 30 privately financed projects, 28 involved clean and renewable energy.

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