Governors Briefs: Salton Sea Restoration Breaks Ground and Appointment of Secretary for Salton Sea Policy

Expanded Salton Sea Restoration Project Breaks Ground

SACRAMENTO —  Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted the expansion of restoration work at the Salton Sea that broke ground Oct. 15. The 750-acre expansion builds on the state’s ongoing work to enhance wildlife habitat, protect public health and improve water quality at the Salton Sea. The current project footprint is set at nearly 5,000 acres.

California was granted $175 million from the Biden-Harris Administration this summer and $70 million in December 2023 as part of a $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate Salton Sea restoration efforts. This complements the more than $500 million in state funding secured to date.

The Salton Sea, California’s largest inland water body, has shrunk in recent years due to reduced inflows, resulting in an exposed lakebed that releases small dust particles that worsen air quality in the Imperial Valley, a region already burdened by poor air quality. The reduced water levels and increased salinity also negatively impact habitat for wildlife, including birds traveling the Pacific flyway.

The federal support enables the expansion of the ongoing species conservation habitat project at the southern edge of the sea. Located near the community of Westmorland, the expanded project will create a network of ponds and wetlands to provide habitat for fish and birds and reduce dust in the area that impacts air quality.

State and federal officials held a groundbreaking at the site Oct. 15 and surveyed work on the species conservation habitat project.

Governor Newsom Announces Appointment

SACRAMENTO —  Gov. Gavin Newsom Oct. 14 announced the following appointment:

Joe Shea, of Los Angeles, has been appointed assistant secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency. Shea has served in several positions at the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom since 2019, including deputy cabinet secretary since 2022, assistant cabinet deputy, and special assistant to the Governor. He was a special consultant for the California Governor-elect Gavin Newsom transition from 2018 to 2019. From 2017 to 2018, Shea held multiple positions with Newsom for California Governor 2018, including Southern California field director and Northern California organizer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $168,000. Shea is a Democrat.