Item 12a.
CITY OF CORONADO
March 12, 2025
The Honorable Sergio Gor
Director
White House Office of Presidential Personnel
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
1650 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20504
Re: United States Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico
Dear Director Gor,
On behalf of the City of Coronado, I am writing to express our support for Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E, to continue serving as the United States Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). Commissioner Giner has developed a close working relationship with the City of Coronado, in addition to the entire San Diego region, and has been a critical partner in addressing cross-boundary sewage flows from the Tijuana River. Commissioner Giner has facilitated close lines of communication with local officials, particularly over the last 24 months, and taken significant steps to improve IBWC's operations and address the Tijuana River sewage crisis, which continues to plague Southern California's border communities.
For years, Coronado has faced the impacts of untreated sewage and contaminated water from the Tijuana River Valley, leading to frequent beach closures and harm to our residents and local businesses. This issue poses risks to Navy SEALs who train in our waters, as well as active- duty military, Homeland Security personnel, and their families.
President Trump's first administration was a critical partner in delivering a solution for our community. Indeed, President Trump helped deliver the first $300 million to address cross- Should the Trump-Vance administration wish to nominate a different Commissioner, the City respectfully urges the administration to consider an individual whose qualifications are as outstanding as those of Dr. Giner, and who has significant experience managing large infrastructure construction projects. We are at a critical juncture given the relatively recent award of the design-build contract and groundbreaking on the expansion of the plant.
The City of Coronado remains committed to protecting our beaches, economy, and military personnel, and we look forward to working together to end cross-border pollution.
Sincerely,
LAN
John Duncan
Mayor
CC: The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs