Salton Sea Restoration Act

Section 2930 names this chapter as the Salton Sea Restoration Act.

Section 2931 contains a statement of legislative intent. The restoration must be based on the preferred alternative developed as a result of the restoration study and alternative selection process and using the funds made available in accordance with that section to be deposited in the Salton Sea Restoration Fund and other funds made available by the Legislature and the federal government. The preferred alternative must provide the maximum feasible attainment of the three specified objectives.

Section 2931.5 provides that the construction of facilities to separate fresh water from highly saline water for the purposes of implementing restoration activities is not be subject to review, approval, inspection, or any fees associated with implementing specified provisions of the Water Code.

Section 2932 established the Salton Sea Restoration Fund which is to be administered by the director. Money deposited in the fund must be expended, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the four specified purposes.

Section 2932.2 provides that not less than $8.5 million is to be made available for transfer or direct expenditure for acquisition, grants, or other activities that directly restore the Salton Sea and its transboundary watersheds.

Section 2932.3 specifies that any moneys made available and deposited in the Salton Sea Restoration Fund are to be expended, upon appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act, for a restoration project at the Salton Sea that is consistent with law.

Section 2932.5 states that moneys deposited in the fund are not to be expended for mitigation except for mitigation undertaken by the State of California.

Section 2933 allows the Department of Water Resources to contract with water suppliers to purchase and sell water to achieve the goals of this chapter.

Section 2940 contains five legislative findings and declarations. There are also nine statements of legislative intent.

Section 2941 defines the following terms: “agency,” “habitat mosaics,” “quantification settlement agreement,” “Salton Sea Authority,” “secretary,” and “vector management.”

Section 2942 requires the secretary, in consultation and coordination with the authority, to lead the Salton Sea restoration efforts that must include six specified actions.

Section 2943 states that, for the purposes of considering local, publicly derived input concerning habitat objectives and actions, types and levels of public access, and integration of air quality management and habitat restoration, the secretary is required to seek input from the authority with regard to the six specified components of restoration of the Salton Sea.

Section 2945 explains that nothing in this article interferes with or prevents the exercise of authority by a public agency to carry out its programs, projects, or responsibilities.