Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Biden Administration’s Inclusion of $310 million to Address Tijuana River Sewage Crisis

SACRAMENTO – Senate Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement today:

“I applaud the Biden administration’s inclusion of $310 million in the emergency supplemental bill to treat the toxic sewage water that has devastated our prized San Diego coastline.

“Last month, my San Diego legislative colleagues and I sent a letter requesting this critical money to make the needed repairs to wastewater treatment infrastructure at the Tijuana River. Our iconic San Diego beaches, neighboring communities, businesses, and residents in the area have been plagued for too long by closures and foul odors as a result of raw sewage pouring in from across the border in Mexico. In recent years, these closures have increased in length and have been worsened by the flooding rains from Hillary and last winter’s storms.

Enough is enough and the dire emergency of this situation has been recognized today by this important step.  While there is much more to be done, including securing congressional support, I would like to thank Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Scott Peters for their tenacious advocacy. I also want to thank Governor Gavin Newsom and my San Diego legislative colleagues, and local government partners, for not letting up on this. This is a crisis and I’m glad to see it treated with urgency."

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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins