Financial help for utilities along the US–Mexico border

Abstract

Two interrelated international institutions offer much‐needed financial and technical assistance for communities along the US–Mexico border.With the economic growth spurred by passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the significant environmental infrastructure needs along the US–Mexico border were expected to become more severe. In 1993, the United States and Mexico addressed this concern, signing a bilateral agreement that created two new interrelated international institutions. The Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) reviews and certifies environmental infrastructure projects proposed within 100 km (62 mi) of the international border. The North American Development Bank (NADBank) helps develop financing for BECC‐certified projects and also serves as a lender. To date, 26 projects have been certified, with 14 projects receiving direct NADBank funding. The institutions work with both public and private project sponsors and financial participants. Small systems are eligible both for grants to assist with the application process and for programs to develop their internal capacities for construction and operation of new facilities.