Aug. 29, 2018 – The Legislative Analyst’s Office has just published the following report:
The Salton Sea: A Status Update
The Salton Sea is California’s largest inland lake. Although the Sea is located in an area of Southern California with a relatively sparse population, changing conditions in and around the Sea have statewide importance. This is due both to the potential for significant negative impacts to public health and the environment, as well as to the fiscal and programmatic commitments the state has made to try to prevent such impacts. Effectively responding to conditions at the Salton Sea represents a considerable and costly challenge for the state in the coming years.
The state recently released a plan for how it plans to respond to changes at the Salton Sea over the next decade, to be supported by $280 million in bond funding that voters have already approved. In light of these developments, this report provides a status update on conditions and activities at the Salton Sea. We describe the state’s role and obligations, as well as funding and cost estimates associated with activities at the Sea. We conclude by highlighting some key issues for the Legislature to monitor in the coming years to ensure the state is effectively meeting its goals for the Salton Sea.