Rep. Juan Vargas Leads Request for $100 Million to Combat Cross-Border Pollution

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) announced that he is leading a funding request for $100 million for the U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP) in the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process. This funding can be used to help combat cross-border pollution, including pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.

BWIP helps fund and build critical infrastructure projects along the U.S.-Mexico border to improve water quality in the Tijuana River and other waterways. This program - which focuses on safe water for communities near the U.S.-Mexico border - has so far funded over 140 water and wastewater projects that benefit more than nine million people.

This funding request comes as communities in the South Bay continue to face harmful impacts from pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. Hydrogen sulfide emissions in the area have repeatedly exceeded federal guidelines, including spikes in recent months. Additionally, community members have reported health issues like trouble breathing, headaches, and nausea.

"Cross-border pollution has harmed the health of our communities, our local businesses, and our environment. While we've been able to bring home over half a billion dollars in federal funding to help combat it, there's more work to do," said Rep. Juan Vargas. "Our communities need relief. We're pushing for more resources and a state of emergency. We won't let up."

Addressing the impacts of Tijuana River Valley pollution is a top priority for Rep. Vargas.

Rep. Vargas and the San Diego Congressional delegation have secured over $650 million in federal funding - more than half a billion dollars - to combat the pollution and make critical upgrades to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Additionally, the San Diego Congressional delegation has called for a federal state of emergency due to the pollution.

Read the full letter here.

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