The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce has joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to support the Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP), a federal initiative aimed at addressing water and wastewater infrastructure challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The BWIP is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with the North American Development Bank. The program provides funding for water and wastewater projects that local governments often cannot afford on their own. According to advocates, these investments have led to improvements in public health and environmental conditions for communities near the border.
Currently, there are 49 unfunded projects within BWIP, with an estimated need exceeding $200 million. Supporters note that past funding has helped reduce untreated sewage flows into the United States, especially in areas like the Tijuana River Valley where cross-border pollution has affected both ecosystems and public health.
A coalition of state and local chambers, including Greater Albuquerque’s, sent a letter to congressional leaders urging continued funding for BWIP in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. The letter stated:
"The undersigned coalition of state and local chambers of commerce are writing to express strong support for continued and sufficient 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 urge you to prioritize meaningful funding for the Border Water Infrastructure Program. Continued 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."
