Reps. Cuellar and Gonzalez, and the San Diego Congressional Delegation Secure Passage of NADB Reauthorization in the U.S. House Financial Services Committee

Washington, D.C.— Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), as well as the San Diego Congressional Delegation secured the passage of H.R. 132, the North American Development Bank Improvement and Pollution Solution Act of 2019, in U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee.  The bill provides an authorization to double the bank’s recapitalization, so that the Bank can support more projects along the border. The total investment in capital will be $3 billion with equal commitments from the United States and Mexico.

“Since 1994, the North American Development Bank (NADB) has addressed air pollution, untreated sewage, trash and sediment problems along the U.S.-Mexico border by financing critical environmental infrastructure projects,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This legislation will enhance the bank’s ability to invest in these environmental infrastructure projects, which will work to  improve air quality, conserve water, reduce energy consumption and develop renewable energy sources. I will continue to work to recapitalize and fund NADB so we can improve environmental quality at our southern border.”

“I want to express my gratitude to Chairwoman Maxine Waters for working with me to pass this bill through committee” Congressman Cuellar added. “I would also like to thank Congressmen Juan Vargas as well as Vicente Gonzalez for their dedication to financing critical infrastructure projects that will improve  along our southern border.”

“The North American Development Bank has long worked to finance environmentally sound infrastructure that enhances the quality of life for people living in communities on both sides of U.S. – Mexico border, including in the 15^th District of Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Investment by the NADB has transformed border communities by improving infrastructure projects that promote cleaner water, land and air. I intend to work with leadership to bring this bill to the House Floor for a vote and continue the Bank’s critical work in South Texas and Northern Mexico.”

“This summer the San Diego Congressional Delegation introduced the Tijuana River Valley Pollution Solution bill package. Today’s passage of H.R. 132 out of the Financial Services Committee moves forward a critical funding piece of this package that gets us that much closer to long-term solutions to the decades-old problem of cross border sewage.”

“Together, we are taking meaningful action towards reducing, and even eliminating, transboundary sewage flows from flowing into the United States,” said Reps. Vargas, Davis, Peters, and Levin.

Rep. Juan Vargas, (CA-51) along with Reps. Susan Davis (CA-53), Scott Peters (CA-52), and Mike Levin (CA-49), introduced the Tijuana River Valley Pollution Solution bill package. The combined legislation will provide funding mechanisms to continue supporting mitigation efforts in the region.

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 69 total projects with current outstanding loans from NADB, 30 involved private sector financing. Of the 30 privately financed projects, 28 of the 30 involved clean and renewable energy.

To see more information on NADB’s Capital Investments at work, click here.