Rep. Vargas Statement on the Tijuana River’s Inclusion on the “Most Endangered Rivers” List

Rep. Vargas Statement on the Tijuana River's Inclusion on the "Most Endangered Rivers" List

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) released the following statement today after American Rivers released its 2024 America's Most Endangered Rivers report with the Tijuana River listed #9.

"For too long, sewage in the Tijuana River Valley has harmed public health, our local economies, and our ecosystems. This designation reaffirms what our communities already know too well - toxic pollution is flowing into the Tijuana River every day and we need the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant to be expanded as quickly as possible. Recently, the San Diego Congressional delegation secured significant funding that can be used to make improvements to the treatment plant. We're continuing to push for additional resources and to make sure the country of Mexico does its part as well. Our work is far from over. We'll keep fighting for the health of our communities and waterways."

The 2024 America's Most Endangered Rivers report is available here.

In March, the San Diego Congressional delegation announced over $156 million for the U.S. International Boundary Water Commission in the bipartisan government funding bill. The funding can be used for critical repairs to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant to help combat cross-border pollution.

In 2019, the San Diego Congressional delegation secured $300 million to expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant from 25 million gallons per day to 50 million gallons per day. In 2022, the San Diego Congressional delegation successfully passed legislation to clear the path for the International Boundary and Water Commission to use the funds to address harmful pollutants in the Tijuana River Valley.

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