Mecca, California - Today, Imperial County Intergovernmental Relations Director Gary Wyatt met with Speaker-designate Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and members of the Salton Sea Authority at a roundtable discussion hosted by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) at the North Shore Beach & Yacht Club in Mecca to discuss the status of the Salton Sea and proposed plans for restoration.

“It is great to see the incoming Speaker of the Assembly visit the Salton Sea to learn more about the issues facing the dying sea and displaying an interest in local and statewide restoration efforts of the sea,” said Supervisor Ryan Kelley.  Supervisor Kelley represents the northern portion of Imperial County, which encompasses the majority of the Salton Sea, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors.

The protection and restoration of the Salton Sea is imperative for the people of Imperial County and surrounding communities.  Mr. Wyatt met with state legislators, state agency representatives, and Salton Sea Authority members to foster relationships with important policymakers and to continue the active and assertive role the County is playing in finding, developing and supporting solutions to prevent the Sea’s demise.

During the discussion Speaker-designate Rendon was informed of current projects, proposed projects and funding streams that could help to fund some of the mitigation and restoration initiatives. Some of the items that were discussed at the roundtable discussion were the Salton Sea Restoration and Renewable Energy Initiative (SSRREI), a plan launched collaboratively by the County of Imperial and the Imperial Irrigation District, the Red Hill Bay Restoration Project, and Proposition 1 Funds established by the 2014 water bond.