California is making $46.1 million in state funding available for planning, research and implementation projects that address pollution affecting two rivers that cross from Mexico into the United States. The funding, administered through the California Environmental Protection Agency, is intended to improve long-term water quality and provide lasting health benefits to Californians.
The funding from the voter-approved Prop 4, the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024, will provide up to $750,000 for research and planning projects, while implementation grants can provide up to $10 million for projects that put solutions into place.
Public and local agencies, nonprofits, special districts, public utilities, tribal authorities, joint powers authorities and mutual water companies may apply for the funding. The grants do not require a match for most applicants, but priority will be given to projects that leverage local, federal or private funding to maximize benefits. Bilateral financial institutions must have a 50% federal match to apply.
The Tijuana River flows into South San Diego County, carrying pollutants including sewage and other debris. Some wastewater is treated at the International Boundary Commission’s South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Ysidro before flowing into the Pacific Ocean, but existing infrastructure has struggled to address the volume of pollution entering the system.
The New River flows from Mexicali through Calexico and into the Salton Sea. Discharges on the American side of the border are treated, but raw sewage, animal waste and other contaminants continue to enter from the Mexicali side due to failing wastewater infrastructure.
Applications will be accepted through the State Water Board’s Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool website by Aug. 31.
Photo by Pixabay
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