Reps. Vargas, Peters, Levin, Jacobs Applaud President’s Inclusion of $310 Million for Tijuana River Valley Improvements in Proposed Disaster Relief Funding Package
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) applauded President Biden’s inclusion of $310 million to help upgrade the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in his proposed disaster relief funding package.
The San Diego Congressional delegation has been pushing for additional funds to repair and upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in any upcoming disaster relief funding package. This funding would build on the $400 million in federal funding the Congressional delegation already secured, and would help support the ongoing construction project to double the wastewater treatment plant’s capacity and combat pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.
“After our continued calls for action, I’m glad to see President Biden demonstrate yet again that addressing this pollution is a key priority. We know there’s more work to do. This funding must get through both the House and the Senate. But to all the members of our community who have joined us and raised their voices about the impacts of this terrible pollution, your advocacy is making a difference. Leaders at the highest level of government are listening,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “Now, Congressional leadership should take this up immediately.”
“President Biden continues to support the funds we need to end this environmental catastrophe because he knows the public health is at risk. This crisis has polluted San Diego’s waters, poisoned the health of its citizens, and endangered our local economy, and we must pass this emergency funding now to ensure San Diegans no longer endure this injustice. I urge Congressional leadership to take this up immediately so that the victims of this crisis and those of the recent hurricanes can receive the relief they need,” said Rep. Scott Peters.
“The best time to deal with the Tijuana River Valley toxic sewage crisis was years ago. The second-best time is today,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “I’m pleased that President Biden has requested $310 million in federal funding for the Tijuana River Valley region in his updated funding package. This money will help repair and expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, bolstering our efforts to prevent pollution from continuing to contaminate our beaches and ecosystems. Our communities deserve clean, safe water, and securing this funding would put us one step closer to delivering on that commitment.”
“Our San Diego congressional delegation has worked tirelessly to draw national attention and bring home federal funds to address the Tijuana River Valley crisis – the biggest environmental and public health disaster in our community. I’m so proud our hard work is paying off from breaking ground on the repair and expansion project at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant to securing $310 million in President Biden’s supplemental budget package. We will keep pushing until this crisis is resolved,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs.
The San Diego Congressional delegation has been focused on combating pollution in the Tijuana River Valley for years.
In October, the San Diego Congressional delegation urged the U.S. Small Business Administration to investigate how it can provide assistance to businesses impacted by pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.
The San Diego Congressional delegation also called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide support to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District as they work to monitor the air quality in communities impacted by Tijuana River Valley pollution.
In May, the Congressional delegation called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to look into the contaminants in the water, soil, and air in our communities and the potential connection to reported increases in illnesses and other symptoms. Thanks to their request, the CDC has begun an investigation into the public health impacts of the Tijuana River Valley sewage pollution.
Earlier this year, the San Diego Congressional delegation reiterated their call to the President to declare a federal state of emergency to help address the pollution.
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