Raúl Grijalva: “My amendment will direct $4,000,000 within the International Border and Water Commission to clarify the responsibility…”

“My amendment will direct $4,000,000 within the International Border and Water Commission to clarify the responsibility for the operations and maintenance of the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI). This is in addition to, and separate from, the funding that currently exists for the long overdue repairs to the IOI. The International Outfall Interceptor is the infrastructure that transports wastewater from Sonora, Mexico and Arizona to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant. The IOI pipeline covers approximately 8.5 miles. Under a 1944 water utilization treaty, Mexico can treat water in the United States. The International Border and Water Commission is tasked with managing international infrastructure negotiations and operates the Nogales International Sanitation Project. On average, 92 percent of the water treated daily at the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant is from Mexico and 8 percent from the surrounding community. Unfortunately, due to damage and aging infrastructure, the International Outfall Interceptor needs costly and urgent repairs. Wastewater constantly emerges from the IOI and pollutes surrounding rivers and streams. Rains carry the polluted stormwater into Nogales, Arizona and exposes downstream populations to extraordinary public health risk.…”