Tuesday
March 27, 2007
State of California Moves
Closer to Local Vision for Sea's Restoration
Source: Save the Salton Sea
“We are pleased that the state is moving closer to our vision of restoration, however, the state still has a way to go to revitalize the Salton Sea,” said Gary Wyatt, chairman of the Salton Sea Authority.
The preliminary recommendation included many, but not all of the Salton Sea Authority essential plan elements, he noted.
“Our plan is the true hybrid, incorporating the best aspects of other proposals while addressing the needs of the majority of all the stakeholders to create a comprehensive solution. This has been recognized by more than 50 agencies and organizations in Imperial and Riverside counties that have endorsed the Authority’s plan, as well as more than 5,000 individuals who have signed support cards.
“Though a step in the right direction for the Authority, the Salton Sea, our region, and Sea restoration supporters throughout the state,” said Rick Daniels, the SSA’s Executive Director. “Any comprehensive restoration alternative will need funding partners, including local public and private funding mechanisms. That takes local support.”
In order to secure local support and funding, Director Chrisman’s final recommendation will need to be amended to include some essential elements from the complete SSA plan:
- Wildlife habitat in the north;
- A larger marine lake in the north as well as a recreational lake in the south;
- Water quality improvements;
- Revisions to accommodate a variety of inflows consistent with the QSA(Quantification Settlement Agreement) EIR that will preclude future water transfers from our region;
“We will continue to seek changes prior to the Secretary’s final recommendation expected in late April,” said Daniels.
With the California Department of Resources expected to choose a preferred alternative for the restoration of the Salton Sea by the end of April, 2007, the SSA continues to vigorously work to gather support for its local plan’s elements. There is still time for community supporters to register their support to save the sea and help the region. Go to www.savesaltonsea.com to make your feelings known.
"I support the leadership shown by the Salton Sea Authority to move forward a local vision for restoration of the Salton Sea and I will continue to work to get the resources necessary to implement a comprehensive plan," said Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia.
Endorsers of the SSA’s Plan—the local choice! (partial list)
- Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia
- Senator Jim Battin
- Assemblyman John Benoit
- Congresswoman Mary Bono
- Congressman Bob Filner
- Imperial County
- Riverside County
- Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians – (SSA)
- Coachella Valley Water District – (SSA)
- Imperial Irrigation District – (SSA)
- City of Coachella
- City of Calexico
- City of Cathedral City
- City of La Quinta
- City of Indio
- City of Palm Springs
- City of Indian Wells
- City of Brawley
- City of Palm Desert
- City of Desert Hot Springs
- Mecca Community Council
- Salton Sea Community Services District
- Coachella Valley Economic Partnership
- Riverside County Farm Bureau
- Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation
- CVAG Executive Committee
- Calexico Chamber of Commerce
- Coachella Chamber of Commerce
- Imperial Chamber of Commerce
- Imperial County Joint Chambers of Commerce
- Indio Chamber of Commerce
- Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce
- Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
- Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
- West Shores Chamber of Commerce
- Coachella Valley Enterprise Zone Authority
- Cochrane Airport Authority
- Palm Desert Board of Realtors
- Building Industry Association Desert Chapter
This breaking news has been produced by the Salton Sea Authority (SSA). The SSA is a joint powers authority of Riverside and Imperial Counties, Imperial Irrigation District, Coachella Valley Water District, and the Torres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians. Its mission is to restore the Salton Sea Ecosystem.