RURAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE: Improved Coordination and Funding Processes Could Enhance Federal Efforts to Meet Needs in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region

Abstract

A serious problem for U.S. communities along the U.S.-Mexico border is the lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation systems. Inadequate systems can pose risks to human health and the environment, including the risk of waterborne diseases. Numerous federal programs provide grants, loans, or other assistance to rural U.S. communities, including those in the border region, for drinking water and wastewater projects. GAO was asked to determine (1) the amount of federal funding provided to rural U.S. communities in the border region for drinking water and wastewater systems and (2) the effectiveness of federal efforts to meet the water and wastewater needs in the region. GAO analyzed agency financial data; reviewed statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures; and interviewed federal, state, local, and private sector officials.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2009
Accession Number
AD1179909

Entities

People

  • Anu K. Mittal

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • California
  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Drinking Water
  • Economic Development
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Protection
  • Families (Human)
  • Governments
  • Groundwater
  • Health Services
  • Infrastructure
  • Interagency Coordination
  • Law
  • Local Governments
  • National Governments
  • New Mexico
  • Public Health
  • Teamwork
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Water Resources
  • Water Supplies

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Economics
  • Environmental Remediation and Restoration.
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