Proposition 1 Could Help Salton Sea Restoration Project

You’ve probably heard the message from experts before – ‘Time is running out for the Salton Sea.’ Now, there’s new hope to restore the sea and it’s called Proposition 1, a $7.5 Billion state water bond on the November 4th ballot, up to voters to pass.

A once thriving body of water, the Salton Sea is on the verge of an ecological collapse. As water levels continue to drop, it’s posing a serious biological threat to the area’s wildlife, and becoming more of a health hazard for people who live around it.

“The Salton Sea is a major priority as it relates to water, as it relates to public health, and more so the environment,” said Coachella Mayor Eduardo Garcia.

Experts say it would take billions of dollars to fully restore the sea, a very long shot, but they’re hoping passage of Proposition 1 could be a step in the right direction. Out of the $7.5 Billion, $500 Million would go to restoration projects such as that of the Salton Sea. This is the most money the project could get. If passed by voters, money would be used to work on bringing the lake’s water level up, which in turn would keep dust from the exposed sea bed down. Parts of the sea would be flooded with fresh water.

“For instance one of the early projects we’ve proposed on the south end of the sea is the Red Hill Bay Project funded largely by the Imperial Irrigation District,” said Roger Shintaku, Manager of Salton Sea Authority,”It actually takes river water, but also pumps water from the sea into that as a blend to create the proper type of water to do what we want to do.”

He says balancing the high salt levels in the water could also create the best habitat for fish and other species in the area to survive.

“It is a big deal for us, we have been working very hard for the past many years to actually come up with a project that will help us mitigate the effects,” Shintaku said.

Mayor Garcia says Prop 1 has a high approval rating, but some say they’re not sold on it. Betty Rojas says the efforts to save the sea should’ve started when it first started deteriorating. She says trying to spend billions of dollars on it is not worth it.

“My opinion is do not waste money on it, there’s more important things, but then again that’s my opinion,” she said.

“I feel it’s a very simplistic view and if you discount the value of plants animals, the well being of humans that live around the sea then yes it can be done,” Shintaku said.

Mayor Garcia says it is a competitive process, but the Salton Sea Project ranks high in obtaining dollars.

“The fact there is an opportunity for $500 million to go to an effort like the Salton Sea restoration, it allows us to mitigate some of those challenges that will occur in the next two years,” Garcia said.

Voters will have the last say. Voting is Tuesday, November 4th.