Officials from Mexico and the United States have met in Mexico City to renew their commitment to the ongoing execution of comprehensive sanitation projects along the Tijuana-San Diego border. These projects, framed under Article 328 of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), focus on the development of infrastructure for wastewater treatment and its immediate and future implementation.

 

This collaboration is supported by the Letter of Intent signed by the National Water Commission (Conagua) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as it states, "We appreciate the hard work of both sections of the IBWC, the support of Conagua and the EPA, as well as local and state authorities on both sides of the border. The commitment shown reflects the interest we have in generating a positive impact on the environment, sustainability, and the future of the CaliBaja region," added.

 

Led by the director of Conagua, Germán Arturo Martínez Santoyo, the meeting was attended by key representatives from both governments, including Roberto Velasco Álvarez and the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar. These projects, valued at $474 million, aim to double the capacity of the International Wastewater Treatment Plant in the United States, rehabilitate treatment facilities, and improve sewer infrastructure in Tijuana. This aims to address pollution issues in the region and improve water quality in the Tijuana River and the Pacific Ocean beaches, avoiding cross-border tensions.

 

The collaboration between both nations and the commitment to generating a positive environmental impact were highlighted during the meeting. Representatives acknowledged the joint efforts in water infrastructure and border sanitation projects, emphasizing the interest in sustainability and the well-being of the CaliBaja region.

 

The aforementioned actions are carried out in compliance with Article 3 of the Mexico-United States International Water Treaty of 1944, where the Governments of Mexico and the United States commit to giving preferential attention to the resolution of sanitation issues.