Organization Profile:
Border Environment Cooperation Commission

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The Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) and the North American Development Bank (NADB) are a pioneering instance of two nations working in unity to address environmental problems affecting people on both sides of their border.
Chartered by the United States and Mexico in 1993, BECC and the NADB help communities build environmental infrastructure projects -- like wastewater treatment plants, sewer systems, paved streets, even public transportation and clean, efficient energy - throughout the border region.
BECC doesn't fund the construction of projects, although it may fund the technical assistance communities need to plan projects. Its binational staff helps communities plan their projects so that they meet established standards of feasibility, affordability and environmental responsibility. It even encourages environmental awareness by requiring project sponsors to create steering committees composed of community residents. The committees hold at least two public informational meetings for each project. Once the planning is satisfactorily completed, BECC "certifies" the project, a requirement for NADB loans or grants, which do fund construction. Anyone interested in learning more about BECC can go online to http://www.cocef.org/