Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn, along with Senator Ted Cruz and Representatives Monica De La Cruz, Vincente Gonzalez, Tony Gonzales, Veronica Escobar, and Henry Cuellar, have collectively addressed a letter to the North American Development Bank (NADBank). The correspondence emphasizes the urgent need for the re-establishment of NADBank’s Water Infrastructure Fund. The lawmakers urge the board to act swiftly in reinstating this program to enhance water security for communities along the U.S.-Mexico border.

In their letter, they highlight that "the need for sustainable water management in the U.S.-Mexico border region is greater than ever." They advocate that re-establishing this fund would be a crucial move towards ensuring long-term water security for municipal and agricultural areas. According to them, "NADBank should use funding from retained earnings to provide concessional financing such as grants or subsidized loans for water conservation and diversification projects."

The legislators express full support for NADBank's role in managing and implementing this fund effectively. They believe that "the re-establishment of the Water Infrastructure Fund will greatly benefit both sides of the border," ensuring adequate water resources are available for future needs.

They also propose that any grant funding from this program should focus on both municipal and agricultural projects aimed at conserving water while exploring new sources. They suggest flexibility in funding partial project costs alongside loans to cater to various projects. Additionally, they encourage collaboration with other federal and state agencies like USDA-Rural Development and Texas Water Development Board to bridge funding gaps.

Finally, they call on U.S. Board members to prompt Mexico into meeting its capital commitments timely while urging the U.S. Board to expedite remaining U.S. capital release corresponding with Mexico’s payments.

The lawmakers conclude by reiterating their confidence in the positive impact of restoring the Water Infrastructure Fund on border communities' future water resource needs.