Alex Padilla: “I rise to introduce the bipartisan ``Salton Sea Projects Improvement Act'' to expand the Bureau of Reclamation's ability…”

“I rise to introduce the bipartisan ``Salton Sea Projects Improvement Act'' to expand the Bureau of Reclamation's ability to participate and invest in projects at the Salton Sea. This legislation would ensure Reclamation can meaningfully partner with state, local, and Tribal governments to address both the public health and environmental crises at the Salton Sea. Under current law, the Bureau of Reclamation is only able to engage in projects that have a research focus. This means that Reclamation can only engage in projects to research how to protect habitat, enhance fisheries, enhance recreational opportunities, or control salinity. Reclamation also operates under a $10 million authorization. This effectively prohibits Reclamation from participating in the Salton Sea Management Program run by California. This legislation would expand Reclamation's authority so they can participate in large-scale projects, even if they don't have a research focus. Projects could improve air and water quality, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and improve public health at the Salton Sea. It would also increase Reclamation's authorization for Salton Sea efforts from $10 million to $250 million. The Salton Sea, located in southern Riverside and northern Imperial counties, is California's largest inland body of water. It formed after Colorado River floodwater breached an irrigation canal and flowed into the Salton Sink.…”