At both the federal and state levels, the legislative and executive branches have been supportive of the Restoration Project.

In 1998 after the untimely death of Representative Sonny Bono, Public Law 105-372 was enacted.  This legislation not only memorialized a great friend of the Sea but also set forth the principles of the Restoration Project, including the establishment of an objective Salton Sea Science Subcommittee.  Also in 1998, $5 million was appropriated by Congress to the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct scientific research at the Sea.

In 1999 Congress appropriated $8.5 million for pilot projects and engineering studies at the Sea. These appropriations resulted from leadership by the Congressional Task Force and, particularly, Congressman Jerry Lewis. At the state level, legislation authorizing the membership of the Torres-Martinez Tribe allows one of the largest landowners at the Sea and residents with the longest tenancy in the Salton Basin to become a member of the Authority.  California also enacted legislation that will allow the Authority to develop a source of local funding for restoration without increasing taxes.

Appropriations at the federal and state levels have been critical and consistent with the needs of the Project.  Through the efforts of State Sen. Jim Battin, $3 million to date has been appropriated to pursue pilot projects. An additional $5 million is in the pipeline. The levels of the appropriations are a demonstration of the recognition of the economic and environmental values of the Sea.

Work as well as funding has greatly expanded at the Authority since the 1998 Salton Sea Legislation but administrative overhead had been kept at a remarkably low level.  Funding to the Authority has increased 400-fold in the past four years but staffing at the Authority has only increased from 2 to 3 full time staff, keeping overhead low.  This has been accomplished through the efficient management of funds, creative contracting and through cooperation and collaboration with our partners in various federal, state and local agencies, business and engineering firms and academic institutions.

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