An unprecedented, but deeply controversial, agreement changes the equation for the Colorado River and the Salton Sea.
The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) agreed to a landmark agreement that will leave some Colorado River water in place and fund large restoration projects on the troubled Salton Sea.
According to an article by Janet Wilson, the deal between IID and the U.S. Department of Interior, the California Natural Resources Agency, and the Coachella Valley Water District “could yield as much as $250 million for Salton Sea restoration projects.” In exchange, IID agrees not to use 250,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water.
“The vote came despite livid objections from Imperial County farmers and environmental groups, who questioned why such a major agreement was being voted on just 24 hours after it was made public, and four days before two newly elected board members are slated to be sworn in to the five-member panel,” according to Wilson.
Supporters of the agreement on the IID board say the deal yields the first fiscal support from federal and state agencies for Salton Sea restoration after years of water cuts.
“The sea is dependent on runoff from Colorado River water provided to farms along its shores for its continued existence. Since 2003, a series of agreements have diverted large amounts from the farms and the lake to urban areas,” explains Wilson.
The Colorado Rover is facing historic water shortages that threaten water supply for agricultural and urban users up and down the river’s massive watershed.
FULL STORY: IID approves possible $250 million Salton Sea deal with feds, state
The Southwest Contends With a Crisis on the Colorado River
With warmer temperatures sapping the flow of water and communities clamoring for higher volumes, the Colorado River needs strict management to continue serving millions of people and farms.
Editorial Calls for Drastic Actions to Fix the Salton Sea
A Los Angeles Times editorial board sheds light on the ongoing environmental disaster of the Salton Sea in California, and the lack of action by the state to mitigate the worsening impacts.
Las Vegas' Growth Tied to its Dwindling Water Supply
Las Vegas has almost maximized its growth potential given projects for its future water supply—something has to give.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)