its use of Colorado River water hinges on water transfers to a great degree.  The transfer of water from the Imperial Irrigation District to San Diego as proposed could have profound and adverse effects on the Salton Sea  unless they are appropriately mitigated.  Alternately, if the transfer is accomplished without substantial reductions in inflows to the Sea, we expect that little mitigation will be needed at the Sea itself.  We are confident that solutions are possible where the water transfer can proceed and at the same time restoration of the Sea can be achieved.  The rewards reaching both goals are great while failing to meet either will present Southern California with unacceptable social, economic, environmental and health consequences and risks.

     The Salton Sea Authority is pleased to report that we, along with our governmental partners at the  federal, state, tribal and local levels are making substantial progress towards the restoration of this valuable lake, which is not only the largest in California but also the place with the greatest diversity of birds in the state.  I particularly want to thank the Congressional Salton Sea Task Force Chairs Representative Mary Bono and Duncan Hunter as well as Representatives Jerry Lewis and Ken Calvert for their strong and continued support for the Salton Sea.  Of course, our progress could not have happened without the support of many other individuals and organizations that share our view of the importance and value of the Salton Sea.  The four members of the Authority, Coachella Valley Water District, Imperial County, Imperial Irrigation District and Riverside County, each have different mandates and constituencies but we are united in our resolveto maintain progress towards the goals of the Restoration Project.
     As President of the Salton Sea Authority Board for the past year and a half, I want to thank all who have helped us to this point and to ask that you stay with us as we move forward with our efforts.  The Salton Sea is at  an important juncture as the debate about the use and allocation of Colorado River water intensifies.  California's plan to reduce