Assembly Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Salton Sea Restoration

An Assembly budget subcommittee held a hearing Nov. 28 on funding needs and options for restoration of the Salton Sea.

The hearing, convened by the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation, also examined the state’s obligation and role in moving restoration efforts forward.

Anton Favorini-Csorba of the Legislative Analyst’s Office provided an overview of Salton Sea issues, with speakers from the Natural Resources Agency, Department of Water Resources and Department of Fish and Game also providing testimony.

A panel of stakeholders also provided local perspectives.

The hearing cames as a state appellate court considers a case challenging a landmark agreement that committed the state to fund some costs related to Salton Sea Restoration. The agreement calls for a large-scale water transfer from the Imperial Valley to San Diego and other programs to reduce California’s reliance on the Colorado River.