$70M Federal Grant Boosts Salton Sea Restoration in California
TL/DR –
The Biden-Harris Administration has allocated $70 million to the State of California to expedite the restoration of the Salton Sea. This investment, part of a larger $250 million federal commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act, is expected to improve wildlife habitat, public health, and water quality at the lake. The funds will be used to extend the state’s Species Conservation Habitat Project, which is developing a network of ponds and wetlands over 4,000 acres to provide habitat and suppress dust emissions.
Key Information: $70M Federal Investment for Salton Sea Restoration in California
The Biden-Harris Administration is providing $70 million to California for Salton Sea restoration, part of a $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act. This complements the over $500 million already secured in state funding.
First Major Federal Investment for Salton Sea Restoration
California Governor Gavin Newsom underscored the initial key federal investment destined to accelerate the state’s Salton Sea restoration, enhancing wildlife habitat, safeguarding public health and improving water quality.
The Investment Breakdown
$70 million in federal funding is being allocated to California’s Salton Sea Management Program, the primary tranche of funding from a $250 million federal commitment announced last year to expedite dust suppression and aquatic habitat projects. California has allocated more than $500 million in state funding to date.
About Salton Sea
As California’s largest inland water body, the Salton Sea has been shrinking due to decreased inflows, leading to airborne dust particles that degrade air quality in the Imperial Valley. Reduced water levels and heightened salinity also harm wildlife habitats.
Quote from Governor Gavin Newsom
“This substantial investment propels the crucial work to stabilize and restore the Salton Sea, benefiting wildlife and communities in Imperial and Coachella Valley. California continues to progress on ecological, health and economic objectives in this key region working with federal, tribal, state and local partners.”
$70 Million Put to Use
The $70 million will amplify the state’s Species Conservation Habitat Project, creating a network of ponds and wetlands over 4,000 acres to provide habitats for fish and birds and suppress dust emissions. This federal investment enables the project’s expansion at the sea’s southern edge.
Additional Federal Funding
An additional $2 million in federal funding will allow the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians to increase their technical capacity by financing positions supporting Salton Sea project implementation.
California Natural Resources Agency leaders and officials from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, and Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians gathered to celebrate this historic funding infusion.
Find out more information here.
—
Read More US Economic News