California Expands Salton Sea Restoration Project

The Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat Project is expanding following a groundbreaking ceremony, supported by a $70 million grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as part of a larger $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act. This expansion adds 750 acres to the existing project, bringing the total to nearly 5,000 acres, with potential future growth to around 8,000 acres. The initiative aims to restore vital wetlands and ponds that provide habitat for wildlife and improve air quality in the region, which suffers from toxic dust due to the receding lakebed. California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the project's role in enhancing wildlife habitat and safeguarding public health. The Biden administration is also committed to strengthening resilience against drought and climate change impacts through these restoration efforts. This follows a series of state and federal funding efforts totaling over $500 million for the Salton Sea's restoration.