Several agencies coming together to restore Salton Sea
Local, state, and federal agencies are taking steps to deal with the environmental fallout of a shrinking Salton Sea.
The "Imperial Streams Salton Sea Feasibility Cost-Share Agreement" was signed Friday morning to conduct a feasibility study. The end goal is to restore the Salton Sea and its region.
It's the beginning of a renewed effort to tackle the near and long-term challenges of the Salton Sea.
The feasibility study will be conducted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers with help from the State of California and the Salton Sea Authority.
The purpose of the study: find ways to restore the Salton Sea and its region. The $3 million dollar study, funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law, should last at least three years.
As a lifelong Salton Sea resident and tribal chairman of the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, Thomas Tortez has spent years fighting to restore his home to what it used to be.
"Taking the see the beauty of the sea, and now it's just total devastation," said Tortez. "It's a type of trauma, right, because as a child, I remember coming here."
Tortez said the signing gives him and his tribe hope.
"This day means something that's actually tangible. That's actually happening. We've, you know, been advocating," said Tortez.
Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz said the agreement will help improve the region's infrastructure, economy, and public health.
"Everything leads towards the benefit and improving the lives and protecting the public health and the economy of the people that live around the Salton Sea," said Ruiz. "This is the federal government coming together to look beyond the 10-year state plan and to see where are the gaps. And what do we need to do for the long-term health of the local communities."
The Salton Sea's restoration could ultimately take decades, but Tortez believes his efforts to save it won't be in vain even if he isn't around to see it.
"I've, you know, spoken to my new my children and the younger generations, and say that, you know, I carry this torch, but you know, be prepared, because you may have to carry and finish the job that we started," said Tortez.
G. Patrick O'Dowd, the Executive Director of the Salton Sea Authority, said it took two years to finally get to this point in time.
“They only issue about three of these a year nationwide. So we are very fortunate to be able to secure this one, amongst all 50 states. We were able to with the support of our delegation," said O'Dowd. "It's a three-year study and typically costs $3,000,000.”
O'Dowd also said it may take more than three years and even more funding because of how complex the Salton Sea is.
The State of California has already conducted many tests on the Salton Sea. This is expected to be used to help the feasibility study.
Salton sea authority officials said the study will start early next year.
