Development bank’s loan plans irk border experts

U.S.-Mexico

The development bank charged with funding environmental infrastructure projects along the U.S.-Mexican border is drawing heavy fire for trying to change the mission spelled out for it in the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta). Under a proposal its directors were slated to consider this month, the North American Development Bank (NADB) would broaden its focus beyond water, wastewater, and solid waste projects. It also would expand its service area from the current 60 miles (100 kms) on each side of the border to 180 miles (300 kms). The bank drafted the proposal amid criticism that it has failed in its efforts to deliver environmental-project loans to border communities. Citing difficult market conditions on the border, the bank said that by targeting a... [Log in to read more]

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