State, federal leaders discuss restoration plan for the Salton Sea

A building appears to float away on the Salton Sea near the old Niland boat launch, July 28, 2000, as the water level rises. The state's largest and saltiest lake, land locked in the Colorado Desert of southern California, was formed by accident during a Colorado River water diversion project nearly 100 years ago and is still rising. Amid debate over whether the sea is facing ecological collapse, plans are being drafted to save the formerly important recreational area.

In its heyday, The Salton Sea was considered the Lake Tahoe of Southern California, a glamorous destination for vacationers. Today, it has a reputation for being something of a toxic wasteland.

In its heyday, The Salton Sea was considered the Lake Tahoe of Southern California, a glamorous destination for vacations. But today, it has a reputation for being something of a toxic wasteland.

For years, politicians have debated how to restore what is really California's largest lake. In his last budget, President Obama put aside $200,000 for an environmental study on how to restore it. This morning, state and federal officials are meeting at the Salton Sea to determine what the best restoration plan might be.

For more on that we're joined by KPCC's environmental reporter Molly Peterson.