$6 Billion Budgeted for Salton Sea Restoration

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published May 9, 2007 at 3:30 PM PDT

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

The state Resources Agency has decided on a $6 billion plan to save the Salton Sea. The proposal calls for a less salty sea -- about one-sixth its current size -- a series of ponds for habitat restora

The state Resources Agency has decided on a $6 billion plan to save the sea. The proposal calls for a less salty sea -- about one-sixth its current size. A series of ponds for habitat restoration, and up to 70 miles of canals and barriers. The restoration plan will be considered by state legislators any day now.

If you've ever been to the Salton Sea in the Imperial Valley, you know that it's in trouble. The air quality is so bad you can seldom see the other side of the lake, and the brown water laps against stones that are encrusted in salts. Several plans have been put forward to save the Salton Sea, all involving millions of dollars. The latest proposal -- which would spend $6 billion over 75 years -- is scheduled to go before the California State Legislature any day now. Producer Paul Alexander looks into the current conditions at the sea.