California’s governor announces his plan to help improve the Salton Sea, including a significant investment from the state.

A $220 million dollar investment, that is what Governor Newsom is proposing to help with water infrastructure and climate.

EL CENTRO, CALIF. (KYMA, KECY) - A big part of California Governor Gavin Newsom's plan looks to impact the Salton Sea. A story all too familiar, as conditions there have been deteriorating for decades.

Last August, the Imperial Irrigation District shared with us that those trying to recover from COVID complications, may have a hard time doing so if they live near the area. Residents in the Imerial Valley reacting to Gov. Newsom's proposal of $220 million dollars to go toward the Salton Sea.

“I think it’s always positive to have additional funding coming to the Salton sea, it’s a big issue our community has been facing for decades, to see this kind of leadership coming from Newsom and Garcia you know, they’re always trying to push the needle forward to secure funding," Communications Coordinator for Comite Civico Del Valle, Miguel Hernandez said.

Hernandez adds credit to assembly member Eduardo Garcia for the work he's been putting into these efforts. Residents also saying that funding isn't enough for a problem this big, rather action followed by progress.

Garcia telling us that the funding will go toward already existing projects, all in efforts to revitalize the seas habitat and the surrounding environment, like the air quality. When talking about the 10-year plan, he was quick to say that all avenues will be covered.

“This will bring recreational and economical development opportunities along with habitat and air quality components that are critically important to people who live around the sea,” he said.

One of those people, Daniel Nunez, a resident from Imperial who was just at the Salton Sea this weekend. Although he's not the biggest fan of Newsom, he says credit must be given.

“This is the most movement I have seen directed toward the Salton sea in many many years, so absolutely he deserves credit,” he said.

Now the Salton Sea has been an ongoing issue for years, residents can only hope that with additional funding, progress is actually made.