CC Resolution 2019-012 Salton Sea MOU Amendment RESOLUTION NO. 2019 - 012
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, IN SUPPORT
OF AMENDING THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF
IMPERIAL AND THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO
INCLUDE OCEAN WATER IMPORTATION AS A
LONG-TERM SOLUTION FOR THE RESTORATION
OF THE SALTON SEA
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2018, the County of Imperial, a political
subdivision of the State of California, and the County of Riverside, a political
subdivision of the State of California (“Counties”) entered into a Memorandum
of Understanding representing a mutual good faith commitment and common
goals made in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration to benefit the Salton
Sea; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Counties to work together with other
local agencies in a collaborative manner and support common goals to further
Salton Sea restoration and management efforts as well as the development
potential of the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Counties encourage outreach to the surrounding
communities and seek supportive resolutions from all cities and other
agencies. The Counties welcome cities and other agencies to join and assist
them in efforts that are supportive of the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the inflow of water to the Salton Sea has decreased and
pursuant to the Quantification Settlement Agreement, mitigation water inflows
ended on December 31, 2017, and without restoration or stabilization
measures, the Salton Sea will rapidly decline; and
WHEREAS, the State of California (“State”) has developed the Salton
Sea Management Program (“SSMP”) through departments within the
California Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agencies and is
obligated to pay for certain costs related to habitat, air and water quality
issues at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the State has developed the 10-year SSMP plan and
identified a phased series of projects, the State has not appropriated all the
necessary SSMP funding. The Salton Sea is at substantial risk of irreversible
damage and threatens wildlife and public health; and
Resolution No. 2019-012
Support of MOU Amendment between Counties of Imperial and Riverside – Open Water Importation for the Salton Sea
Adopted: May 7, 2019
Page 2 of 4
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Counties to take coordinated and
cooperative action with other agencies to further stabilize the Salton Sea on
such restoration efforts which would protect and improve public health, air
quality, and wildlife habitat; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of the Counties to work together
with local agencies on agreed projects and financing mechanisms such as an
Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District (“EIFD”) that would support projects
and stimulate economic development around the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Counties recognize and support the immense value of
working together with other local agencies to enhance opportunities for
renewable energy and geothermal development to the region by providing
reliable, affordable energy in furtherance of the State’s Renewable Portfolio
Standard and Greenhouse Gas Reduction goals and could provide funding for
Salton Sea infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of said integrated projects would include
economic development, recreational activity, and reduction in air quality
impacts, as well as optimize the potential opportunities at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, California law requires the California Natural Resources
Agency to develop a Salton Sea plan in cooperation and consultation with local
agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority supports the common goal of a
locally managed and more efficient process to expedite projects at the Salton
Sea to avert a further decline at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is in support of the North Lake
vision which would complement the State’s SSMP plan by providing an in-sea
barrier around the contours of the north shoreline with a deep lake and
respectfully request the State’s support and recognition in the SSMP as an
important integrated project; and
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is supportive of the Perimeter Lake
concept which would also include a South Lake component and resemble a
flowing river with a system of low-profile levees bordering the Salton Sea
shoreline. The Counties respectfully request to have the Perimeter Lake
incorporated into the State’s SSMP long-term plan; and