Funding Responsibilities
Under QSA-related legislation (specifically SB 654), the three water agencies, IID, SDCWA, and CVWD, have a responsibility to fund environmental mitigation related to the QSA up to $133 million in 2003 dollars. Additionally, the three water agencies have paid $30 million in 2003 dollars as seed money for the state’s restoration program. The $30 million was provided to CDFW as part of the Salton Sea Restoration Fund. That funding, together with the $133 million, cap the three water agencies’ financial obligations and liabilities for environmental mitigation and restoration as part of the QSA.
The state has a responsibility under the QSA-related legislation to fund mitigation costs that exceed $133 million and a responsibility to address the larger issue of restoration at the Salton Sea.