California Gets $70 Million in Federal Funding to Accelerate Salton Sea Restoration

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: $70 million from the Biden-Harris Administration is now available to help the State of California accelerate restoration of the Salton Sea, improving conditions for wildlife and surrounding communities. The funding is part of a $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act, which complements the more than $500 million in state funding secured to date.

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted the first major federal investment coming to California to accelerate the state’s ongoing work to restore the Salton Sea through efforts that enhance wildlife habitat, protect public health and improve water quality at the lake.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced yesterday that $70 million in federal funding is being transferred to the state’s Salton Sea Management Program, the first tranche of funding from a $250 million federal commitment announced last year to accelerate dust suppression and aquatic habitat projects at the Salton Sea. California has committed more than $500 million in state funding for Salton Sea projects to date.

California’s largest inland water body, the Salton Sea has shrunk in recent years due to reduced inflows, resulting in exposed lakebed that releases small dust particles that worsen air quality in the Imperial Valley, a region already burdened by poor air quality. The reduced water levels and increased salinity also negatively impact habitat for wildlife, including birds travelling the Pacific flyway.