• Groundbreaking for phase two of Salton Sea restoration
• $250 million in federal funding over five years
• Focus on dust suppression, aquatic restoration, and water conservation
• Collaboration with state and local partners

October 16, 2024 — Yesterday, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the California Natural Resources Agency, and other stakeholders broke ground on the second phase of the Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat Project. This key step marks a continuation of efforts to revive California’s largest inland lake with the help of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative.

The federal government is contributing $250 million over five years thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding supports California’s 10-year plan to improve the Salton Sea’s environmental health through dust control, aquatic restoration, and critical water conservation efforts. The state has already committed over $500 million to the project.

Addressing Drought and Climate Change.

The Salton Sea has faced serious ecological challenges, exacerbated by prolonged drought and climate change, which have reduced inflows and increased salinity. These conditions have degraded wildlife habitats and increased dust pollution, impacting nearby communities.

President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is helping Western states deal with the effects of climate change and drought. The Inflation Reduction Act includes $550 million for domestic water projects and $4 billion for water management and conservation efforts across the Colorado River Basin, which includes the Salton Sea.

“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to making western communities more resilient to the impacts of drought and climate change,” Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis said. “These transformational investments will ensure long-term sustainability for the Colorado River system and support local communities.”

Local Partnerships Drive Progress.

Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton highlighted the importance of collaboration. “We’re grateful to our partners in the State of California, the Imperial Irrigation District Board, and farmers in the Imperial and Coachella Valley for leading the way,” she said. Touton pointed out that just two years ago, a memorandum of understanding for the Salton Sea was signed, and now significant progress is being made.

In 2023, the Bureau of Reclamation provided $72 million to the project, which includes expanding the Species Conservation Habitat Project. This expansion aims to create up to 7,000 acres of aquatic habitat and cover the lake’s exposed bed, reducing harmful dust emissions and preserving wildlife. Local water users have also committed to conserving 400,000 acre-feet of water annually.

Restoration of the Salton Sea is essential for environmental protection and the health of nearby residents. Protecting this fragile ecosystem will have lasting benefits for communities and wildlife.

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Image:

Photo of Salton Sea, California, June 2007.  Released into the public domain by its author, Rman 348.

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