The Department of the Interior, in collaboration with the California Natural Resource Agency and other stakeholders, has initiated a new phase of the Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat Project. This project is partially funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
The groundbreaking event took place at Salton Sea, California's largest inland lake. The Bureau of Reclamation is investing $250 million over five years through the Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate the state’s 10-year plan for dust suppression and aquatic restoration efforts while supporting urgent water conservation. This federal investment complements more than $500 million in state funding.
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda marks a significant commitment to climate resilience, providing resources to enhance Western communities' ability to withstand drought and climate change effects. The Inflation Reduction Act allocates $550 million for domestic water supply projects and $4 billion for water conservation and management efforts in the Colorado River Basin and similar drought-affected areas. To date, Reclamation has announced 208 drought mitigation projects and 15 domestic water supply projects totaling $2 billion.
Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis stated, “The Biden-Harris administration is committed to making western communities more resilient to the impacts of drought and climate change.” She highlighted transformational investments from the President’s Inflation Reduction Act aimed at strengthening the stability of the Colorado River System.
Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton remarked on recent developments: “It was less than two years ago that we signed a memorandum of understanding for the Salton Sea, and here we are today breaking ground on phase two of the Species Conservation Habitat Project.” She expressed gratitude towards partners in California, including the Imperial Irrigation District Board, farmers, and growers in both Imperial and Coachella Valley.
In fiscal year 2023, Reclamation allocated $72 million for projects at Salton Sea. These funds support capacity building for Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe and expand the Species Conservation Habitat Project which provides aquatic habitat benefits for wildlife along with dust suppression measures protecting local communities.
California's water users have committed to conserving 400,000 acre-feet annually starting from 2023. Following a system conservation agreement with Imperial Irrigation District last month, Reclamation provided an additional $170 million from Inflation Reduction Act funds to further conservation efforts within California.
Further details about Reclamation's support can be found at www.usbr.gov/inflation-reduction-act.
