TUCSON, AZ—Yesterday, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva sent a letter to the White House urging the Trump administration to increase funding for the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) construction account within the Department of State Budget. The funding would address important infrastructure projects like the International Outfall Interceptor connected to the International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Nogales, Arizona. Due to years of neglecting much-needed repairs, raw sewage has frequently spilled into waterways. The most recent occurrence of this in July 2017 prompted Gov. Ducey to declare a state of emergency.

“If this administration truly cares about improving the nation’s infrastructure, then their budget should reflect it,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. “There is likely no project in greater need of repair than that of the International Outfall Interceptor in Nogales, where residents live under the constant threat of a raw sewage leak and an impending public health emergency. Surely President Trump would agree that this situation is unacceptable for the residents of Arizona and will see it fit to allocate the appropriate funding in the President’s budget.”