Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007

Floor Speech

REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - October 04, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CUELLAR. I want to thank the distinguished Member from Minnesota for yielding. Again, I applaud the committee's tremendous work and the work of Chairman Oberstar for the leadership and vision that he has provided, along with Chairman Reyes.

This bill creates the Southwest Border Region Commission and will positively impact the State of Texas. Eleven out of the 12 counties that I represent will be impacted in a positive way. These counties are struggling with common infrastructure needs that inhibit the community's ability to increase economic development. Some of these communities on the U.S.-Mexico border can be identified as colonias. As you know, colonias are found in Texas, New Mexico Arizona, and California, all States that will benefit from the establishment of the Southwest Border Regional Commission.

These colonias many times do not have paved roads, hospitals, or even utilities. Many colonias do not have sewage systems, forcing residents to rely on often inadequate wastewater disposal methods, such as small and outdated septic tanks. These conditions often result in sewage pooling on the ground. Even if these colonias do have adequate sewage systems, the border area lacks sufficient facilities to treat wastewater in this area.

Mr. Speaker, again, this Southwest Border Commission will provide the resources to help colonias and other underdeveloped regions to adequately address needs to be solved. By the establishment of this commission, this will address the basic needs that are needed in these areas. This is why I am asking the Members to support this bill.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source