Padilla, Ruiz Celebrate Salton Sea Species Conservation Project Expansion

October 30, 2024

2024_10_15_XM_0528_CNRA_Salton_Sea — Attendees celebrate a groundbreaking ceremony for the Species Conservation Habitat Project Expansion at the Salton Sea in Imperial County, California. The Species Conservation Habitat Project is the first large-scale project of the state’s 10-year plan. It will create a network of ponds and wetlands that help to reduce dust emissions that impact air quality by inundating exposed lakebed, and it will provide important fish and bird habitat. All major construction has been completed on 4,100 acres, and now the project is expanding. Photo taken October 15, 2024.Xavier Mascareñas / California Department of Water Resources

SALTON SEA — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Calif.-25) joined federal and state leaders on Oct. 15 to break ground on the expansion of the Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project. The expansion is part of the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP), supported by a $70 million grant from the Inflation Reduction Act.

The project, located near Westmorland, aims to restore ecological value and protect regional air quality by creating ponds and wetlands, providing habitat for fish and birds, and suppressing dust. The expansion adds 750 acres to the SCH Project, bringing the total to nearly 5,000 acres with potential growth to 8,000 acres.

“The $250 million in federal funding we secured for the Salton Sea Management Program will protect public health and restore wildlife habitat,” Padilla said.

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Ruiz emphasized the project’s importance to local health, environment, and the economy. The expansion is part of a multi-agency effort, including contributions from the California Natural Resources Agency and the Bureau of Reclamation, to address environmental challenges at the Salton Sea.