Supervisor Perez offers the following statement on the draft legislation released by Congressman Ruiz today in advance of a hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee next week:

“We learned of the Congressional hearing at today’s Salton Sea Authority meeting. We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Ruiz because they are aligned with the ongoing discussions, policies and projects of the Salton Sea Authority, especially as we are making major strides today more so than ever before. The key areas outlined by the Congressman will reinforce the discussions taking place between the Salton Sea Authority and the State of California. This will help ensure we draw down $30 million from the state to continue work on the Perimeter Lake concept, the North Lake pilot project, and preservation of natural habitats and dust suppression.

“It is our hope that the Salton Sea Authority will have the opportunity to give testimony at this hearing, since the last time the locals gave testimony at a Congressional hearing on the Salton Sea was in 1997 under Congressman Sonny Bono. This is a great opportunity to elevate our region’s environmental, air quality and water issues to our nation as a whole.”