Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, my amendment includes the language from my bill, H.R. 1948, allowing the International Boundary and Water Commission, or IBWC, to accept up to $5 million per year from other Federal agencies or outside entities, such as cities, States, and nonprofit organizations, for wastewater treatment and flood-control projects like those that would fight the cross-border sewage crisis in San Diego.

The IBWC has jurisdiction over the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego, where longstanding operational and maintenance failures have allowed raw sewage to flow from the Tijuana River into San Diego's beaches. This has created a public health crisis that strains local resources, poses significant environmental risks, and forces our servicemembers to train in polluted sewage water.

Under current law, Federal agencies, State governments, and local entities cannot transfer funds to projects under IBWC's jurisdiction. This leaves IBWC reliant on annual appropriations or emergency funding to build and maintain its facilities.

My office, along with the rest of the San Diego delegation, has secured $360 million in emergency funding to help address chronic issues at the South Bay treatment plant. I thank all of the people in this Chamber who have supported that, including a number of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who are veteran Navy SEALs and have been very concerned about this issue.

This amendment would provide another tool to ensure San Diego does not need to move from emergency to emergency to secure adequate funding for the plant. If we can get money from other sources, there is no reason not to accept it. For some reason, current law prevents us from accepting even a donation from a nonprofit that would want to help us with the issue.

Mr. Chair, I say let's get out of the way. H.R. 1948 passed out of the House on suspension in June of this year, and I hope to see it become law on any topical legislative vehicle before us. In this case, our amendment would authorize additional funding sources to further expedite the completion of clean water projects that fall under IBWC's jurisdiction. I think it makes sense and is good for everyone.

Mr. Chair, I appreciate the support of my colleagues, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the support of my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer), and the committee. I urge support of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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