# Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act
This bill establishes comprehensive water quality restoration programs for two major border rivers: the Tijuana River and the New River, both of which flow from Mexico into Southern California. The legislation creates coordinated federal efforts to address severe pollution problems including untreated sewage, stormwater runoff, bacteria, chemicals, and sediment that cross the U.S.-Mexico border and harm public health, beaches, and wildlife habitats.
The bill authorizes $50 million annually from 2025 through 2035 for each river's restoration program, directing these funds toward water quality action plans, infrastructure projects, grants, and technical assistance. It establishes the Environmental Protection Agency as the lead agency to coordinate with federal, state, local, tribal, and Mexican authorities to develop and implement prioritized restoration projects using natural and green infrastructure, water recycling, and wastewater management improvements.
The legislation also creates a separate Border Water Infrastructure Program providing financial and technical assistance to entities within 100 kilometers of the U.S.-Mexico border for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects. All programs include requirements for biennial reports to Congress on implementation progress and effectiveness, with action plans to be completed within one year and updated every five years. The bill emphasizes international cooperation and coordination with Mexico through the International Boundary and Water Commission.
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