Dr. Ruiz’s Statement on $3 Million to Fund Rehabilitation of the Salton Sea

Palm Desert, Ca – Today, Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-36) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Interior announced $3 million in new funding for the Salton Sea.

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, funds will be used to construct a 31 acre wetland along the Alamo River, a major inflow source to the Salton Sea, to improve water quality, provide habitat, and support efforts by the state of California to reach a comprehensive, resource management plan for the Salton Sea.

"I have fought for and I am proud to have secured funding for the rehabilitation of the Salton Sea. These funds will help stop the flow of nitrates, chemicals, and other fertilizers that continue to contaminate our Sea,” said Dr. Ruiz. “From a medical perspective, this means fewer dangerous dust particles reaching and negatively affecting the families who live in the surrounding areas. This is great news and will help mitigate the health and environmental crisis facing our valley. This funding builds on the groundbreaking at the Red Hill Bay and together, are the first steps in preserving the Salton Sea for future generations."

The project will decrease concentrations of pollutants such as selenium, a chemical that causes birth defects in wildlife, which is carried into the Salton Sea by the Alamo River. The project will also provide high quality wetland/riparian habitats for fish and migratory and species known to the area.

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