February 14, 2025
The Honorable Scott Peters
U.S. House of Representatives
2369 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Re: Thank You for Introducing Legislation on IBWC Fund Transfer Authorization Dear Rep. Peters,
On behalf of the City of Coronado, I am writing to express our strong support for your introduction of legislation to authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to receive funding from federal and non-federal entities for wastewater treatment, water conservation, and flood control projects.
For years, Coronado has faced the impacts of untreated sewage and contaminated water from the Tijuana River Valley. These discharges threaten the health of our citizens and the economic viability of our businesses. They also pose risks to Navy SEALs who train in our waters, and active-duty military, Homeland Security personnel, and their families. Hazardous contaminants threaten their health and readiness, strain local resources, and create environmental challenges, particularly for border communities.
Your legislation would help foster collaboration between the IBWC, federal agencies, the State of California, and local governments, enabling strategic investment and long-term solutions. It would also allow the IBWC to use these additional funding streams to design, construct, operate, and maintain works along the U.S.-Mexico border and in the Tijuana River Valley (TRV). This will provide flexibility for future needs, sustain SBIWTP operations, and improve wastewater treatment and flood control, reducing raw sewage discharge and enhancing water quality in the TRV, river, estuary, and ocean.
Thank you for your continued leadership on this issue. The City of Coronado remains committed to protecting our citizens, beaches, economy, and military personnel, and we look forward to working together to secure sustainable solutions to this public health emergency caused by cross-border pollution.
Sincerely,
John Duncan
Mayor
CC: Mark Fleming, City of Coronado City Council Member
Item 12a.