Summary#
This bill creates new EPA programs and project funds to address polluted cross-border waterways near California. It sets up two geographic programs: one for the Tijuana River watershed and one for the New River watershed. Each program must be created within 180 days of enactment and led by a program director. The EPA must write an action plan within one year and update it every five years. The plans must list priority projects, describe costs and operations and maintenance needs, and identify funding sources. The bill lets EPA give grants, technical help, and enter interagency or international agreements to carry out projects. It also establishes a United States–Mexico border water infrastructure program to fund eligible drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects near the border. The Commissioner of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission may build, operate, and maintain projects. The EPA must report to Congress every two years about projects and their status.
What it means for you#
- Communities near the Tijuana River and New River could see federal planning, grants, and technical help for projects that address polluted flows, trash, sediment, and sewage coming from across the border.
- The bill requires coordinated plans and lists of priority projects, so local and state agencies, tribes, and nonprofit partners are part of planning and project selection.
- Projects can include natural and green infrastructure, water reuse and recycling, and stormwater management.
- The President must include estimated spending for these projects in the annual budget submission to Congress.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes $50,000,000 to the EPA for each fiscal year 2026 through 2036 to carry out the Tijuana River program (Title I), to remain available until expended.
- It also authorizes $50,000,000 to the EPA for each fiscal year 2026 through 2036 to carry out the New River program (Title II), to remain available until expended.
- For each of those titles, the EPA may use up to 5 percent of the amounts for salaries, expenses, and administration for grants.
- The bill allows payments from cooperative agreements to be deposited into the EPA State and Tribal Assistance Grants account and remain available without further appropriation.
- The EPA may transfer amounts to the Commissioner as needed.
- The bill does not set a specific authorization amount for the border water infrastructure program in Title III.
Proponents' View#
The bill's findings and purposes say federal planning, funding, and coordination are needed to restore and protect water quality, public health, and natural resources in the Tijuana River and New River watersheds. Supporters would point to the need for shared action with Mexican authorities, use of green infrastructure and water reuse, and filling funding gaps for stormwater and transboundary wastewater issues.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.