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-Editorial
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors has formally requested that the California Legislature retain $400 million in funding for the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) within the proposed Climate Resiliency Bond. This request comes as legislative negotiations on the bond continue, with final decisions expected soon.
The Climate Resiliency Bond, initially proposed through legislative bills AB 1567 (Garcia) and SB 867 (Allen), seeks to raise approximately $15 billion to address climate-related issues across California. However, negotiations have since scaled the bond to a figure between $8 and $10 billion. During these discussions, provisions for the Salton Sea have been at risk of removal due to legislative disagreements.
In a letter addressed to Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors highlighted the importance of sustained funding for the SSMP. The letter emphasized the critical need for resources to planning, permitting, and implementation of restoration projects at the Salton Sea. The funding would also support the maintenance and monitoring of completed projects.
The state has made significant progress in addressing the environmental and health crises associated with the Salton Sea, stemming from the Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA). This agreement facilitated the transfer of water from the Imperial Irrigation District to the San Diego Water Authority, making the state “unconditionally liable” for mitigating the impacts on the Salton Sea and its surrounding communities. Current state efforts include the Species Conservation Habitat Project, vegetation enhancement, and dust mitigation initiatives, as well as community-centric projects like the North Lake Pilot Demonstration Project.
Additionally, the state is collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Imperial Streams Salton Sea and Tributaries Feasibility Study, which aims to identify long-term restoration plans eligible for substantial federal funding.
Despite these advancements, much remains to be done to halt the deterioration of the Salton Sea and safeguard the health of nearby communities. The recent multistate agreement to address Colorado River challenges is expected to further reduce inflows to the Salton Sea, exacerbating air pollution in a region already struggling with high rates of asthma and respiratory disease.
The County of Imperial argued that investing in the SSMP is crucial for continued restoration efforts and to leverage potential federal funds. Failure to secure this investment could significantly increase state liability and hinder local revitalization projects, including those related to Lithium Valley, which promises substantial economic benefits.
The letter concludes with an appeal to the Legislature and Governor to retain the $400 million investment for the Salton Sea in the final budget proposal, viewing it as a cost-saving measure that fulfills the state’s obligations and unlocks federal resources for regional revitalization.
