Expanded Salton Sea Restoration Project Breaks Ground

SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the expansion of restoration work at the Salton Sea that broke ground Oct. 15. The 750-acre expansion builds on the state's ongoing work to enhance wildlife habitat, protect public health and improve water quality at the Salton Sea. The current project footprint is set at nearly 5,000 acres.

California was granted $175 million from the Biden-Harris Administration this summer and $70 million in December 2023 as part of a $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate Salton Sea restoration efforts. This complements the more than $500 million in state funding secured to date.

The Salton Sea, California's largest inland water body, has shrunk in recent years due to reduced inflows, resulting in an 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 traveling the Pacific flyway.

"California is making major strides on restoration efforts at the Salton Sea, and we're expanding this critical work to create habitat on hundreds more acres and help improve air quality in neighboring communities," stated Gov. Gavin Newsom in a news release. Our progress to date is a testament to the strong partnerships underpinning these efforts and I look forward to the work ahead to deliver on our ecological, health and economic goals for this important region."

The federal support enables the expansion of the ongoing Species Conservation Habitat Project at the southern edge of the sea. Located near the community of Westmorland, the expanded project will create a network of ponds and wetlands to provide habitat for fish and birds and reduce dust in the area that impacts air quality.