IID backs funding request for Salton Sea perimeter lake study
EL CENTRO — The Imperial Irrigation District directors on Tuesday supported a draft letter seeking federal funding from the Army Corps of Engineers for a perimeter lake study at the Salton Sea.
The board voted 4-0 to support the letter. Division 2 Director JB Hamby abstained from the funding request due to San Diego Water Authority concerns.
The Salton Sea Authority submitted a draft letter to IID on April 28 to seek the district’s advocacy for a 2022 fiscal year energy and water appropriations request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for funding to initiate a feasibility study of the Salton Sea Perimeter Lake.
Salton Sea Authority Executive Director Patrick O’Dowd said the study for the first year would be funded at 65 percent by the federal government.
The letter, addressed to Sens. Diane Feinstein and Alex Padilla and U.S. Reps. Raul Ruiz and Juan Vargas, said the IID supports the Salton Sea Perimeter Lake Study.
The letter, signed by IID Board President James Hanks, explained the importance of the Salton Sea to Imperial and Riverside counties.
The letter noted the federal government has significant interests at the sea, including being a major landowner, tribal trustee and the operator of the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge.
At Tuesday’s IID meeting Hanks said, there have been numerous undertakings at the Salton Sea and he does not want to see a duplication of efforts.
Hanks said he has some issues he would like to see addressed, including the water quality of the perimeter lake, elevation of the shore line, retaining a depository of water for agriculture and to ensure all landowners in the Salton Sea area have a beach area.
O’Dowd said the study would show the elevation of the Salton Sea. He also said the authority does not look at county lines for projects under consideration.
Before the letter was sent to the IID board for approval, the district’s administration provided some edits to it.
According to the letter, the authority’s request to fund the Salton Sea Perimeter Lake Feasibility Study will help mobilize federal investments in the state and local revitalization efforts crucial to communities surrounding the Salton Sea.
The letter also stated that the study advances a goal of President Joe Biden’s administration, which is focused on increased federal investments to historically disadvantaged communities.
O’Dowd said additional revenue is needed for the project to occur, but added the work of the authority provides a great benefit to the state.
“In closing, the
Salton Sea is a top priority for the IID and the communities we serve,” the letter reads. “The request from the Authority aligns with our continued efforts to help and ensure safe and healthy communities, habitats and environment.”