Bill allows voluntary taxpayer contributions to help restore Salton Sea

A Coachella Valley lawmaker’s bill allowing voluntary taxpayer contributions toward the restoration of the Salton Sea signed into law Friday.

Under Senate bill 1416, authored by Sen. Jeff Stone, a check-off box will be added to income tax forms for contributions to the revive the Salton Sea fund. Taxpayers will be able to contribute amounts in excess of their personal income tax liability.

Donated funds will go toward any current or future projects regarding restoration and or maintenance of the Salton Sea as well as public awareness and education programs regarding Salton Sea restoration efforts.

Current efforts include the Salton Sea Management Program, which has a short-term goal of establishing 9,000 to 12,000 acres of habitat creation and dust suppression projects by 2020.