Border Environment Flash

US $1.3 million available for environmental projects!

In the context of the agreement between the Border Environmental Cooperation Comission (BECC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued for civil society organizations, government agencies, and the community at large to present, through regional workgroups or border tribes, proposals in support of the environment that meet the objectives and goals of the US-Mexico Environmental Program Border 2012 implemeneted by the governments of Mexico and the United States.

The US-Mexico Environmental Program Border 2012 is a binational collaborative effort whose mission is to protect the environment and public health in the US-Mexico border region consistent with the principles of sustainable development.  BECC and EPA have established a partnership by which the former will be responsible for issuing an RFP, overseeing the submission process, reviewing the proposals, coordinating the project selection process, monitoring project performance, and managing available funding, said Alberto Ramirez, BECC's Environmental Projects Manager.

It must be notes that proposals must be for studies, research projects, and environmental education programs, Alberto Ramirez said.

There are currently 25-30 active projects in the development phase, and between 15 and 20 have been successfully completed.  As a result, more funds are being allocated to Region 9.

"BECC is currently looking for more participation from Mexican organizations, as they are more knowledgeable about the environmental issues that impact their region," said Joe Arreola, BECC's Technical Assistance Manager.

Environmental Protection Secretary from the Government of Baja California Socrates Bastida Hernandez said proposals on the issues of water, land, and air quality improvements will be received.  This is an opportunity that presents itself on a yearly basis.  Projects must be viable and targeted at reducing contaminants.

"Funds allocated by EPA for selected projects may amount to US $1.3 million for California, Baja California, Arizona, and Sonora," said Tomas Torres, Director of the EPA Border Office in San Diego, CA.

Priority issues for the Border 2012 Program for this year in Baja California and California include: reducing water, air, and land contamination, improving environmental health, reducing exposure to chemicals as a result of accidental release and/or acts of terrorism, and improving environmental performance through compliance, enforcement, pollution prevention, and promotion of environmental stewardship.

The deadline for submission of proposals is May 30, 2008.  For more information visit the website www.cocef.org or contact mconstandse@cocef.org.