This bill establishes comprehensive programs to restore water quality in two major cross-border rivers: the Tijuana River and the New River, which flow from Mexico into the United States. The Tijuana River program addresses severe pollution from sewage, stormwater, and industrial waste affecting communities like Imperial Beach and San Diego, while the New River program tackles agricultural runoff and raw sewage problems in the Imperial Valley region. The legislation creates Environmental Protection Agency-led geographic programs with designated directors to coordinate restoration efforts among federal, state, local, tribal, and Mexican entities, develop priority project lists, and establish action plans for pollution prevention and infrastructure improvements including natural and green infrastructure solutions. The bill authorizes $50 million annually for each river program from fiscal years 2025 through 2035, plus an additional border-wide water infrastructure program, with funds available for grants to eligible entities in both countries, technical assistance, and construction and maintenance of projects. The law requires annual budget submissions, biennial progress reports to Congress, and coordination with international partners including Mexico through the International Boundary and Water Commission.
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