HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RES 2019-0641.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, IN SUPPORT OF THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
COUNTY OF IMPERIAL AND THE COUNTY OF
RIVERSIDE CONCERNING THE SALTON SEA
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2018, the County of Imperial, a political subdivision of the State
of California, and the County of Riverside, a political subdivision of the State of California ("Counties")
entered into a Memorandum of Understanding representing a mutual good faith commitment and
common goals made in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration to benefit the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Counties to work together with other local agencies in
a collaborative manner and support common goals to further Salton Sea restoration and management
efforts as well as the development potential of the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Counties encourage outreach to the surrounding communities and seek
supportive resolutions from all cities and other agencies. The Counties welcome cities and other
agencies to join and assist them in efforts that are supportive of the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the inflow of water to the Salton Sea has decreased and pursuant to the
Quantification Settlement Agreement, mitigation water inflows ended on December 31, 2017, and
without restoration or stabilization measures, the Salton Sea will rapidly decline; and
WHEREAS, the State of California ("State") has developed the Salton Sea Management
Program ("SSMP") through departments within the California Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Agencies and is obligated to pay for certain costs related to habitat, air and water quality
issues at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the State has developed the 10-year SSMP plan and identified a phased
series of projects, the State has not appropriated all the necessary SSMP funding. The Salton Sea is
at substantial risk of irreversible damage and threatens wildlife and public health; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Counties to take coordinated and cooperative action
with other agencies to further stabilize the Salton Sea on such restoration efforts which would protect
and improve public health, air quality, and wildlife habitat; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of the Counties to work together on agreed projects
and financing mechanisms such as an Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District ("EIFD") that would
support projects and stimulate economic development around the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Counties recognize and support the immense value of working together
with other local agencies to enhance opportunities for renewable energy and geothermal development
to the region by providing reliable, affordable energy in furtherance of the State's Renewable Portfolio
Standard and Greenhouse Gas Reduction goals and could provide funding for Salton Sea
infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of said integrated projects would include economic
development, recreational activity, and reduction in air quality impacts, as well as optimize the potential
opportunities at the Salton Sea; and
WHEREAS, California law requires the California Natural Resources Agency to develop
a Salton Sea plan in cooperation and consultation with local agencies; and
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RESOLUTION NO. 2019-06
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority supports the common goal of a locally managed
and more efficient process to expedite projects at the Salton Sea to avert a further decline at the Salton
Sea; and
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is in support of the North Lake vision which would
complement the State's SSMP plan by providing an in -sea barrier around the contours of the north
shoreline with a deep lake and respectfully request the State's support and recognition in the SSMP as
an important integrated project; and
WHEREAS, the Salton Sea Authority is supportive of the Perimeter Lake concept which
would also include a South Lake component and resemble a flowing river with a system of low -profile
levees bordering the Salton Sea shoreline. The Counties respectfully request to have the Perimeter
Lake incorporated into the State's SSMP Tong -term plan; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Salton Sea Authority to improve the public health,
economic opportunity and overall quality of life of the disadvantaged communities around the Salton
Sea; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Salton Sea Authority to support public private
partnerships and will assist private entities to define and develop projects around the Salton Sea.
WHEREAS, Parties are supportive of comprehensive analysis of ocean water
importation as a long-term solution for the restoration of the Salton Sea. Parties respectfully request
analysis be conducted of ocean water importation and incorporated into the State's 10-year SSMP plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert,
California, as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council declares support of the Memorandum of Understanding
between the County of Imperial and the County of Riverside concerning unified support on the Salton
Sea.
SECTION 2. The City Council shall certify support and adoption of this resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 14th day of February 2019, by the City Council of
the City of Palm Desert, California by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: HARNIK, KELLY, and NESTANDE
NOES: JONATHAN and WEBER
ABSTAIN: NONE 1
ABSENT: NONE
ATTEST:
H LLE D. KLASSE , CITY CLER
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNI
A
GINA NESTANDE, MAYOR PRO TEM
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