Obtain Funding Transfer Authority Language from Congress

Every year, billions of gallons of toxic pollution cross the U.S./Mexico border through the Tijuana Watershed bringing untreated sewage, industrial waste, and huge amounts of trash to beaches across south San Diego County and northern Baja California. These flows make beaches unsafe for public use, impair habitat and open space, and lead to multiple illnesses. The southernmost beach in San Diego has been closed for over 650 consecutive days and counting.  The results are detrimental to local economies and pose an enormous public health hazard on both sides of the border.  The pollution disproportionately impacts communities of color, making this an environmental justice issue.  

Surfrider has long been advocating for solutions to the pollution at the U.S./Mexico border though the San Diego Chapter's Clean Border Water Now campaign.

Specifically, we have been asking Congress to pass transfer authority language that would allow funding for infrastructure solutions to come from sources outside of congress, including federal and state agencies.  This victory is a huge step forward, as one of the largest limitations in obtaining funding for solutions is that it takes an act of congress - often a lengthly and difficult process.  With this language passed, it will help us to close the funding gap of over $700 million for the proposed Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution (CIS) - a binational project that would significantly reduce toxic transboundary flows by 95% during the summer months and 76% during wet weather. 

We are hopeful that future funding obtained through sources outside of congress can be directed towards protecting clean water in the San Diego/Tijuana border region for the enjoyment and health of all people.  

Visit the Clean Border Water Now page on the Surfrider Foundation San Diego's website to learn more information about the transboundary pollution crisis.