LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION:
The study area includes the Salton
tributaries, and the playa and surrounding areas suitable for restoration. Salton Sea is a shallow, saline, terminal lake sustained by agricultural discharge from the Imperial Valley. The lake provides significant habitat for birds, an estimated 400 species rely upon the lake, as well as habitat for several state and federally listed species. The sea is naturally receding due to evaporation causing an increase in salinity and increasing the concentration of pollutants.
AUTHORIZATION: Resolution of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, 114th Congress, 2nd Session (April 28, 2016), P.L. 117-103
ACTIVITIES FOR FY 2023: The study team is developing a Project Management Plan that describes the study scope, schedule, and cost estimate. The study team is preparing to hold NEPA public scoping meetings (May 18), EJ/community outreach activities and stakeholder mapping, to occur prior to the Alternatives Milestone meeting (AMM) (tentative for June 14). At the AMM, the study team will present existing and future without project conditions; problem, opportunity, and objective statements; an initial array of alternatives; screening criteria; and risk and uncertainty assessments.
IIJA ACTIVITIES: See activities in FY23 / 24.
FY2024 PLANNED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Carryover funds will be used to continue feasibility phase.
ISSUES AND OTHER INFORMATION: The study scope will likely require more than $3M and 3 years to complete. Drivers of an extended study duration could include additional activities to reduce uncertainty about future hydrologic conditions; robust community outreach activities and translation services; extensive public comment from highly engaged stakeholders; and potential policy waivers to include allowing quantification of restoration benefits and construction of restoration projects on lands owned by other federal agencies. The study team is also exploring scoping options to remain within $3M and 3 years. The Project Manager is presenting at the CA Waterboard Salton Sea Workshop on May 17.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
As of: 1 Mar 23 FEASIBILITY
Estimated Federal Cost $1,700,000
Estimated Non-Federal Cost $1,500,000
Total Estimated Project Cost $3,200,000
Allocation thru FY22 $1,500,000
President’s Budget for FY23 $0
Conference Add for FY23 $0
Approved IIJA FY23 $0
Workplan for FY23 $0
President’s Budget for FY24 TBD
Approved IIJA FY24 TBD
Workplan for FY24 TBD
Balance to Complete After FY24 $200,000
Congressional Interest: CA Senators Padilla and Butler, AZ Senators Kelly and Sinema, CA Representatives: Ruiz (CA-25), Calvert (CA-41), Issa (CA-48)
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS – LOS ANGELES DISTRICT
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