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KPBS Midday Edition

Documentary Points To What Could Happen If Salton Sea Isn't Restored

The movie poster for "Breaking Point," a documentary about the Salton Sea.
Courtesy of "Breaking Point"
The movie poster for "Breaking Point," a documentary about the Salton Sea.
Trailer for "Breaking Point"
Documentary Points To What Could Happen If Salton Sea Isn't Restored
'Breaking Point' Documentary Points To What Could Happen If Salton Sea Isn't Restored GUEST:Bill Wisneski, producer and director, "Breaking Point"

When Gov. Jerry Brown released his proposed 2017-2018 budget last week, it didn't include additional funding for the restoration of the Salton Sea.

Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia represents the 56th district, which includes eastern Riverside and Imperial Counties.

"On my end, you know, certainly disappointed that right out the gate there wasn't a funding identified and included in the initial budget demonstrating a commitment to this issue that isn't just a Southern California issue, but certainly a statewide issue as it relates to water in California," Garcia said.

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In a statement, he said, “I urge the Governor to consider a stronger investment to chip away at the billion dollar price tag of long term Salton Sea Restoration.”

The Salton Sea is 100 miles east of San Diego and is fed by runoff from Imperial County farms. A water transfer agreement that sends water from Imperial County farms to the San Diego region and the Coachella Valley has reduced the amount of water going into the sea. This has caused wildlife habitat to suffer and has increased the amount of airborne dust from the exposed land. Conditions are expected to worsen when mitigation water is scheduled to stop going into the sea at the end of 2017.

"Breaking Point" is a documentary about the shrinking Salton Sea and what could happen if the problem isn't addressed. It's produced and directed by Bill Wisneski, a producer for Palomar College Television.

Wisneski discusses the documentary on Tuesday's Midday Edition and what he thinks will happen if the restoration of the Salton Sea is not funded.

"Breaking Point" is being screened on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center in Oceanside and during San Diego Film Week in February. It's also available on Amazon and free to view by Amazon Prime members.