LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION: The feasibility study area includes the Salton Sea, its tributaries, 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 and recent water transfers causing an increase in salinity and concentration of pollutants.
AUHORIZATION: Resolution of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, 114th Congress, 2nd Session (April 28, 2016)
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 require more than $3M and 3 years to complete. Drivers of an extended study duration include additional activities to reduce uncertainty about future hydrologic conditions; robust community outreach activities and translation services; anticipation of extensive public comment from highly engaged stakeholders; complex and novel restoration features; and policy waivers to include allowing quantification of restoration benefits and construction of restoration projects on lands owned by other federal agencies.
As of 7 Aug 2024
FINANCIAL SUMMARY: 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 FY24 $0
Approved IIJA FY24 $0
Workplan for FY24 $3,878,000*
Balance to Complete After FY24 $200,000
Congressional Interest: Senators Padilla (CA), Butler (CA), Kelly (AZ), Sinema (CA), and Representatives: Ruiz (CA-25), Calvert (CA-41), Issa (CA-48) and Lee (NV-3)
ACTIVITIES FOR FY 2023:
The study team held two NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) public scoping meetings on 18 May, and two focused scoping meetings with the community and non-government organizations. Alternatives Milestone was completed on 23AUG23. Request for additional resources was submitted that included the recommendation for Coarse of Action 2, with non-federal sponsors (NFSs) support, for 8 years and $15.847 million.
IIJA ACTIVITIES/FY2024 PLANNED ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Vertical Team Alignment Memorandum (VTAM) was signed on 21NOV23. On 9MAR24, FY24 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill was signed that removed the requirement for the study to complete with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds. Request for Additional Resources is pending approval. Revised VTAM to include early implementation feasibility study was signed on 9AUG24. FY24 Workplan funds (*) are contingent on request of additional resources approval.
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS – LOS ANGELES DISTRICT
915 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 1109, LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
http://www.spl.usace.army.mil