The Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act establishes federal programs to address severe water pollution in two transboundary rivers—the Tijuana River and the New River—that flow from Mexico into California communities, posing risks to public health and the environment. The legislation directs the EPA to lead coordinated restoration efforts involving federal, state, tribal, local, and Mexican authorities, requiring comprehensive action plans within one year that identify priority projects and financing strategies for wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and water reuse infrastructure. The bill authorizes $50 million annually from 2026 through 2036 in federal grants and technical assistance to implement these water quality projects, with the federal government covering a variable portion of project costs depending on individual circumstances. The EPA must update its action plans every five years and submit biennial progress reports to Congress, while the President must include multi-year budget projections for these restoration efforts in annual budget submissions to ensure sustained funding and oversight of this critical environmental and public health initiative.
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