IID transitions leadership role from Salton Sea Authority to the state’s Salton Sea Conservancy
Jesus Reyes
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) announced its transition from the Salton Sea Authority to the State of California’s newly established Salton Sea Conservancy.
IID officials said the transition in participation from the Salton Sea Authority to the Conservancy will strengthen alignment among state and federal agencies and facilitate project operations and management.
The next step reflects a natural evolution of IID’s long-standing leadership in Salton Sea progress that has led from studies to planning to on-the-ground projects, along with ongoing efforts to restore habitat and address regional air quality concerns.
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The Salton Sea Conservancy, established through Senate Bill 583, will serve as the central coordinating agency for the long-term management of restoration projects and community engagement at the Sea. The Conservancy brings together State, local, federal, and tribal representatives to ensure sustained attention to the region’s environmental and public health needs.
“This new partnership marks a turning point,” said IID General Manager Jamie Asbury. “The Conservancy brings everyone – local, State, and federal representatives and stakeholders – under one umbrella. It’s the most effective way to continue and expand Salton Sea progress and long-term planning responsibilities.”
IID’s appointment of its Board Chairwoman, Gina Dockstader, to serve as the District’s representative on the Salton Sea Conservancy Board underscores IID’s commitment to continued strong local leadership and advocacy for the Salton Sea within the State’s new framework.
“IID’s dedication to the Salton Sea remains unwavering,” said Chairwoman Dockstader. “We’re proud of our progress and deeply appreciative of the Salton Sea Authority’s decades of involvement. As IID’s representative on the Conservancy board, I look forward to building on that foundation with the State and the recent momentum toward real project delivery at the Sea and our communities.”
As the State prepares to launch the Conservancy, IID will continue implementing its comprehensive, science-based Salton Sea Air Quality Mitigation Program, while working alongside State partners to shape the Conservancy’s priorities.