In 2011, Mexicali had a paving deficit of about 33% of its streets, mainly in residential neighborhoods where the roads are used on a daily basis. The lack of paving, combined with dry and windy weather conditions, generated significant emissions of dust (PM10) in the project area, as well as Imperial County, California, which had been designated a non-attainment area forPM10. The air quality in the region generated health risks linked to prolonged exposure to PM10.
The project consisted of paving 1,094,668 square meters (m2) of dirt roads with asphalt, equivalent to increasing street paving coverage from 66% to 70% in low-income subdivisions in the city, and included construction of storm drainage infrastructure and, if necessary, the rehabilitation of water and wastewater lines. The final surface area paved was 536,909 m2.
Street paving helped reduce air pollution caused by vehicular dust, thus improving respiratory health conditions for local residents. Reducing PM10 in the region is also helping Imperial County improve conditions influencing its designation as a non-attainment area for this pollutant. In addition, street paving provided safer roadways for motorists and allows faster access for emergency services, such as police, firemen and ambulances.
| Total Project Cost | US 46.65M | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NADBank Funding |
US 7.29M - NADBank Loan |
||||
| Other Funding Partners |
City of Mexicali State of Baja California Beneficiaries |