Salton Sea Projects Improvements Act

Salton Sea Projects Improvements Act

This bill provides the Bureau of Reclamation with additional project authorities for the Salton Sea research project in Southern California.

Specifically, the bill authorizes Reclamation to provide grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements to carry out projects (e.g., construction activities and dust suppression projects) to improve air quality, fish and wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and water quality in the area of the Salton Sea.

To carry out these projects, Reclamation may enter into partnerships with state, tribal, and local governments; water districts; joint powers authorities, including the Salton Sea Authority; nonprofit organizations; and institutions of higher education.

Bill 117 HR 3877, also known as the Salton Sea Projects Improvements Act, aims to address the environmental and public health crisis at the Salton Sea in California. The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California and has been shrinking due to water diversions and agricultural runoff, leading to increased salinity levels and the release of harmful dust particles.

The bill proposes several key initiatives to improve the conditions at the Salton Sea. It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to carry out projects to restore and protect the Salton Sea, including habitat restoration, dust suppression, and water quality improvement efforts. The bill also establishes a Salton Sea Restoration Fund to provide funding for these projects.

Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to consult with state and local stakeholders, including tribes, in developing and implementing the restoration projects. It also requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress on the progress of the restoration efforts. Overall, the Salton Sea Projects Improvements Act aims to address the environmental and public health challenges facing the Salton Sea and to ensure the long-term sustainability of this important ecosystem.