States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
VDH and VHHA Announce the Release of Virginia's Plan for Well-Being
RICHMOND, Virginia, April 11 (TNSrpt) -- The Virginia Department of Health issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
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VDH and VHHA Announce the Release of Virginia's Plan for Well-Being
Today, as part of the Partnering for a Healthy Virginia Collaborative (PHV), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) announced the release of the next State Health Improvement Plan, also known as the Virginia Plan for Well-Being (VPfWB). The comprehensive plan serves as a data and community-driven roadmap to improve health outcomes, advance
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RICHMOND, Virginia, April 11 (TNSrpt) -- The Virginia Department of Health issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
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VDH and VHHA Announce the Release of Virginia's Plan for Well-Being
Today, as part of the Partnering for a Healthy Virginia Collaborative (PHV), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) announced the release of the next State Health Improvement Plan, also known as the Virginia Plan for Well-Being (VPfWB). The comprehensive plan serves as a data and community-driven roadmap to improve health outcomes, advanceequity and ensure that all Virginians live in conditions that allow them to thrive. This second version of the VPfWB builds on best-practice models. The 2025-2029 VPfWB focuses on six key priority areas identified through statewide data assessment and community input, including:
* Infant mortality,
* Firearm-related deaths,
* Obesity,
* Mental health,
* Drug overdose and substance use disorder, and
* Housing, transportation and economic stability.
These priorities reflect the most pressing health issues and preventable drivers of poor health outcomes in Virginia identified by our community. In launching this milestone plan - centered on what is most important to Virginians' health - we will reconvene the partnership to engage on strategies designed to create lasting impact.
"Achieving the shared goal of making Virginia the healthiest state in the nation requires a comprehensive approach focused on effective strategies to enhance individual and community health," said Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. "Virginia's hospitals and health systems are actively engaged in efforts to reduce infant mortality rates, address behavioral health needs, enhance access to care, and support the communities they serve so people can live healthy, safe, and productive lives. Those ideals are central to the mission of the Partnering for a Healthy Virginia Collaborative, and we are proud to be part of this important work."
The VPfWB reflects a collaborative effort across public health, healthcare and community partners. PHV collected data to better understand the health of Virginians. The assessment helps stakeholders and partners understand why some people are healthy and others are not. The plan will serve as a blueprint for targeted action driving meaningful change and improving health outcomes across Virginia.
"Our health isn't just shaped in hospitals and clinics. It is also forged in the places where we're born, grow, live, learn, eat, play and pray," said Virginia State Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. "If we understand why some people live long and healthy lives while others do not, we can be more strategic in developing actions and policies to address these challenges."
At its core, the VPfWB is a commitment to advancing health equity. The plan recognizes that health outcomes are shaped by long-standing differences in access to resources and opportunities. It prioritizes reducing disparities and ensuring that all Virginians have the opportunity to achieve optimal health by:
* Addressing social determinants of health including housing, transportation and economic stability.
* Reducing disparities in health outcomes such as infant mortality, chronic disease and access to care.
* Strengthening community partnerships and elevating community voice.
The plan is designed to deliver measurable progress across the state by:
* Clearly defining goals, objectives, and strategies.
* Using data to track progress over time.
* Aligning with local and regional health improvement efforts.
* Ongoing evaluation to ensure strategies and metrics are effective.
This structured approach ensures that partners can adopt the plan and track outcomes, adapt strategies, and collectively work toward improved health indicators. VDH will work with partners to implement these important priority areas by establishing working groups that will align work with priority areas, strengthen partnerships and provide opportunities for ongoing stakeholder feedback. During the implementation phase VDH and its partners will focus on translating strategy into action, ensuring that the plan drives real, measurable improvements in communities across Virginia.
All Virginians are encouraged to take simple, meaningful steps to support their health and well-being, including staying up to date on check-ups and vaccinations, prioritizing mental health, and making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well and staying active. Families can support healthy starts for children by accessing prenatal care and following safe sleep practices, while communities can help prevent substance misuse by promoting awareness and safe medication practices.
Virginians are also encouraged to get involved locally by participating in community health improvement efforts, supporting community organizations, and advocating for equitable access to resources like healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities. Organizations, stakeholders, and partners play a critical role by aligning programs and investments with the VPfWB priorities, using shared data and metrics to guide decision-making, collaborating across sectors to address root causes of health disparities, and engaging communities in the design and implementation of solutions. Together, these collective actions will drive measurable improvements in health outcomes and help build a healthier Virginia for all.
For more information and resources about the VPfWB, visit VirginiaWellBeing.com. The site provides detailed information about the plan and how you can help us make Virginia the healthiest state in the nation.
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REPORT: https://virginiawellbeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Virginias-Plan-for-Well-Being.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/2026-news-releases/vdh-and-vhha-announce-the-release-of-virginias-plan-for-well-being/
TDCI Securities Division: Jumpstart Your Child's Financial Future With a Trump Account
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 11 -- The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance issued the following news on April 10, 2026:
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TDCI Securities Division: Jumpstart Your Child's Financial Future with a Trump Account
A 530A Account, Also Known as a Trump Account, Can Help Tennessee Children Build Long-Term Savings
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The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance's (TDCI) Division of Securities reminds Tennessee parents they can get started building their children's financial wealth by opening a Trump Account.
Created under the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, the newly created
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 11 -- The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance issued the following news on April 10, 2026:
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TDCI Securities Division: Jumpstart Your Child's Financial Future with a Trump Account
A 530A Account, Also Known as a Trump Account, Can Help Tennessee Children Build Long-Term Savings
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The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance's (TDCI) Division of Securities reminds Tennessee parents they can get started building their children's financial wealth by opening a Trump Account.
Created under the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, the newly created530A accounts - popularly known as Trump Accounts - are custodial, tax-advantaged Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that are modeled after traditional IRAs with a few, key differences.
The biggest difference is that any U.S. citizen born between 2025-2028 will receive a one-time $1,000 contribution from the United States Treasury to jumpstart their savings efforts.
"Investing in a Trump Account is a great way to help families build a strong financial future while teaching children about the power of investing and compounding interest," said TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. "I encourage Tennesseans to learn more about this exciting opportunity and open a Trump Account for their children today."
How Trump Accounts Work
To sign up for an account, parents (or other qualified, legal guardians) can visit trumpaccounts.gov, or simply fill out IRS Form 4547 when completing their 2025 taxes. The accounts will begin an initial review/authentication process in May and will open to accept contributions on July 4th. Please note: Tennessee residents affected by Winter Storm Fern have until May 22, 2026, to file their taxes thanks to a tax relief program from the Internal Revenue Service.
Children born before 2025 are also eligible to hold an account if it is opened before the year in which the child turns 18; however, these account-holders are not eligible for the $1,000 contribution from the U.S. Treasury.
Thanks to donor support from Dell Technologies, children born between 2025-2028 will receive an extra $250. Totaling $6.25 billion, the pledge from the Dell family also includes a $250 contribution to account-holders age 10 and younger living in areas with average incomes below $150,000.
After the initial deposit, no additional contributions are required but parents (or legal guardians), friends, family members, and/or participating employers can choose to deposit up to an additional $5,000 each year to maximize the account's growth.
The funds deposited into the Trump Accounts are automatically invested into American-owned companies' stocks and offer parents and children the opportunity to not only build a strong financial future, but to learn about the power of investing and compounding interest in real-time - together.
Based on data and average return rates from the stock market's historical performance, it could mean the difference between $4,000 when children are eligible to withdraw the funds at age 18, or $190,000.
For an investment comparison of the two funding amounts, frequently asked questions, and more, visit our blog here (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/blog/2026/4/9/jumpstart-your-childs-financial-future.html).
"I encourage Tennesseans to take this opportunity to jumpstart their children's financial future and begin teaching them about the importance of saving and investing," said TDCI Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Bowling. "Speak with your investment adviser, go to trumpaccounts.gov, or complete Form 4547 when completing your taxes to sign up today."For more information on financial education or to contact TDCI's Securities Division, visit tn.gov/securities, email securities.1@tn.gov, or call 800-863-9117.
For an investment comparison of the two funding amounts, frequently asked questions, and more, visit our blog here (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/blog/2026/4/9/jumpstart-your-childs-financial-future.html).
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2026/4/10/tdci-securities-division-jumpstart-your-childs-financial-future-with-a-trump-account.html
Pa. Insurance Dept.: Shapiro Administration Approves Workers' Compensation Filings That Help Cut Costs for Employers While Protecting Injured Workers
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 11 -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued the following news on April 10, 2026, with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry:
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Shapiro Administration Approves Workers' Compensation Filings That Help Cut Costs for Employers While Protecting Injured Workers
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced that PID approved a decrease of 1.22% in "loss costs" for workers' compensation insurance. This change is expected to lower costs for many businesses across Pennsylvania and
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 11 -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department issued the following news on April 10, 2026, with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry:
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Shapiro Administration Approves Workers' Compensation Filings That Help Cut Costs for Employers While Protecting Injured Workers
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced that PID approved a decrease of 1.22% in "loss costs" for workers' compensation insurance. This change is expected to lower costs for many businesses across Pennsylvania andhelp employers save money and reinvest in jobs, wages, and growth.
Loss costs are used to set workers' compensation insurance premiums. Because these costs directly influence what businesses pay for coverage, the decreased rate will likely reduce premiums for many Pennsylvania employers while maintaining strong protections for workers.
"A strong and competitive workers' compensation market benefits both employees and employers," said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. "This ensures businesses can access affordable coverage while maintaining the protections workers rely on if they are injured on the job. We remain committed to supporting a stable and effective system for all Pennsylvanians."
This loss cost revision was filed by the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau (PCRB), an independent bureau that makes filings to PID on behalf of companies that write workers' compensation insurance in Pennsylvania. Worker's compensation insurance covers the cost of medical care and rehabilitation for injured workers, lost wages, and death benefits for the dependents of those killed in work-related accidents.
This year's loss-cost filing became effective April 1. New or renewed policies issued on or after that date will reflect the updated loss costs.
Approximately 375 insurance companies offer workers' compensation insurance coverage in Pennsylvania. The impact of the loss cost filing on an individual employer will vary based on factors such as employer classification claims experience, and the insurance company with which they are insured.
Thousands of Pennsylvania employers have saved on insurance premiums by developing a Certified Workplace Safety Committee. Businesses that reduce workers' compensation costs may reinvest those savings into their operations, including hiring employees, upgrading equipment, and expanding services.
"Workers' compensation is a critical support for both Pennsylvania workers and employers," said Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker. "This decrease helps reduce costs for businesses while ensuring injured workers continue to have access to the medical care, wage-loss benefits, and protections they need. It reflects the strength of a system that works best when it delivers stability, fairness, and accountability for everyone."
More information on Pennsylvania insurance products can be found on the PID website.
Additional information on the Bureau of Workers' Compensation and workplace safety programs is available on the L&I website (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli).
Pennsylvanians with questions about their insurance or who wish to file a complaint can visit pa.gov/consumer or call 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/insurance/newsroom/shapiro-admin-approves-workers-comp-filings-cut-employer-costs-protect-workers
Pa. Community & Economic Development Dept.: Shapiro Administration to Turn Brownfield Site in Bucks County Into Shovel-Ready Residential Development
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 11 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news on April 10, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration to Turn Brownfield Site in Bucks County into Shovel-Ready Residential Development
The Bucks County Redevelopment Authority will use the $125,625 grant for soil remediation, removal of an abandoned underground storage tank, and groundwater sampling.
The Sellersville Borough site will be reused for residential redevelopment when remediation is complete.
Projects like this one reinforce the Shapiro Administration's commitment
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 11 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news on April 10, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration to Turn Brownfield Site in Bucks County into Shovel-Ready Residential Development
The Bucks County Redevelopment Authority will use the $125,625 grant for soil remediation, removal of an abandoned underground storage tank, and groundwater sampling.
The Sellersville Borough site will be reused for residential redevelopment when remediation is complete.
Projects like this one reinforce the Shapiro Administration's commitmentto creating healthier communities for Pennsylvanians while also investing in the Commonwealth's economic future.
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Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the approval of $125,625 through the Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP) to the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority to perform site remediation at 900 East Clymer Avenue in Sellersville Borough -- paving the way for new residential development.
The approximately 4.9-acre brownfield site was historically used as an industrial manufacturer of air pressure and temperature gauges until the mid-1990s. Following the remediation work, the site will meet environmental conditions for residential redevelopment under the Land Recycling Program, creating a shovel-ready site for developers.
"Transforming former industrial sites into new opportunities is how we build stronger, healthier communities across Pennsylvania," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. "This investment will help turn a long-idle property in Sellersville into a safe, productive space for residential development -- supporting local revitalization while protecting public health. Through programs like the Industrial Sites Reuse Program, we're continuing to make strategic investments that prepare sites for their next chapter and position our communities for long-term growth."
ISRP funds will be used for soil remediation, closure and removal of an abandoned 20,000-gallon underground storage tank and quarterly groundwater sampling.
"The Industrial Sites Reuse Program is an important tool to return former brownfields to productive use, and in this case, adding much needed housing stock for Pennsylvania," said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. "Supported by an annual $3 million transfer from the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, the Land Recycling Program collaborates with DCED to provide grants and loans that help finance environmental assessments and site cleanups throughout Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro has called for $20 million for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund so that we can continue putting projects like this one on the ground."
Governor Shapiro has called for an additional $20 million for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund in his 2026-27 Budget Proposal to protect Pennsylvanians from dangerous toxic waste sites and repurpose the land for economic development. For too long, hazardous waste sites, abandoned mine lands, and abandoned wells have sat vacant and released toxic chemicals into the environment because Pennsylvania didn't have the resources or the speed to get projects up and running. Under the Shapiro Administration, we're working to fix that -- building shovel-ready sites, cleaning up abandoned mine land and hazardous waste sites so communities can put those areas back to good use, and aggressively plugging abandoned or orphaned wells that are polluting our air and water.
The ISRP provides loans and grants for environmental assessments and remediation carried out by eligible applicants who did not cause or contribute to the contamination. The program is designed to foster the cleanup of environmental contamination at industrial sites, thereby bringing blighted land into productive reuse.
For more information about the Industrial Sites Reuse Program or the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website (https://dced.pa.gov/).
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Original text here: https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/shapiro-administration-to-turn-brownfield-site-in-bucks-county-into-shovel-ready-residential-development/
Mo. Economic Development Dept.: Winland Foods to Expand in St. Louis, Investing $38.5 Million and Creating 25 New Jobs
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 11 -- The Missouri Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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Winland Foods to expand in St. Louis, investing $38.5 million and creating 25 new jobs
Winland Foods, a global food manufacturer, announced today that it is expanding in St. Louis, investing $38.5 million and creating 25 new jobs. The expansion will increase the capacity and flexibility of its South St. Louis manufacturing facility, adding additional production lines and rail car access.
"Missouri is proud to support companies like Winland Foods as they continue to
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 11 -- The Missouri Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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Winland Foods to expand in St. Louis, investing $38.5 million and creating 25 new jobs
Winland Foods, a global food manufacturer, announced today that it is expanding in St. Louis, investing $38.5 million and creating 25 new jobs. The expansion will increase the capacity and flexibility of its South St. Louis manufacturing facility, adding additional production lines and rail car access.
"Missouri is proud to support companies like Winland Foods as they continue toinvest in our state and strengthen our manufacturing sector," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "This expansion in St. Louis not only reinforces our reputation as a hub for food production and innovation but also creates meaningful opportunities for Missourians. We look forward to their continued success and the positive impact this project will bring to the region and our statewide economy."
Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Winland Foods operates 17 production facilities across the U.S. and Canada. The company focuses on food manufacturing in the meal preparation category. Its St. Louis plant, located at 611 E Marceau St., produces egg pasta, manicotti, and jumbo shells. The facility's expansion will increase its ability to produce and package its jumbo shell products. The location currently employs more than 100 workers.
"This investment will add significant capacity to our local facility," said Bob Chapin, previously St. Louis Plant Manager and recently promoted to Technical Operations Manager for Winland Foods. "Our passion for producing high-quality food starts with our manufacturing process, and here in St. Louis, we have all the ingredients for success. We look forward to continued growth here moving forward."
The expanded production at Winland's St. Louis facility will become operational in the fall of 2026.
"Projects like this reflect the strength of Missouri's partnerships and our ability to deliver results for communities across the state," said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. "Winland Foods' $38.5 million investment and 25 new jobs demonstrate continued confidence in the economic advantages that have made our state a leading business destination. Team DED is proud to support this growth, which will generate lasting economic impact and continue to help Missourians prosper in the St. Louis region."
For this expansion, Winland Foods will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
What others are saying
"We congratulate Winland Foods on their expansion, and we celebrate the company's continued commitment to the St. Louis region," said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. "Winland's investment in South St. Louis creates good jobs, drives economic growth, and will benefit our region for years to come."
"When companies choose to grow here, it builds momentum that moves our city forward," said St. Louis Development Corporation CEO and President Stephen Westbrooks.
"Ameren Missouri is pleased to support Winland Foods' strategic expansion in South St. Louis," said Tara Oglesby, Vice President of Energy Solutions and Business Development for Ameren Missouri. "Our focus is delivering reliable power for all customers, and by working closely with businesses and community partners, we continue to advance growth and economic development across our service territory."
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About Winland Foods
Winland Foods is a new company made up of serious foodies with long histories in the food and beverage industry. Backed by Investindustrial, one of Europe's leading independent investment groups, the company focuses on food manufacturing in the meal preparation category. Winland Foods specializes in pasta, sauces, syrups, dressings, jams and jellies, pie fillings, pita chips, dry dinners, dry baking ingredients, plant-based protein, and more. Its product offerings range from consumer-loved brands to custom private label solutions across retail and food away from home channels.
To learn more about Winland Foods, visit winlandfoods.com.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri's businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED's current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED's website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state's number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.
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Original text here: https://ded.mo.gov/press-room/winland-foods-expand-st-louis-investing-385-million-and-creating-25-new-jobs
Ill. Employment Security Dept.: Chicago Metro Begins 2026 With Record Number of Monthly Jobs, Nearly 5 Years of Year-Over-Year Growth
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 11 -- The Illinois Department of Employment Security issued the following news:
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Chicago Metro Begins 2026 with Record Number of Monthly Jobs, Nearly 5 Years of Year-Over-Year Growth
Unemployment Rate Ticks Up for Every Metro Area in January
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Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 7 metropolitan areas and increased in 5, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Chicago (58 consecutive months) and Champaign (12 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in all 12 metro areas for the year ending January 2026,
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 11 -- The Illinois Department of Employment Security issued the following news:
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Chicago Metro Begins 2026 with Record Number of Monthly Jobs, Nearly 5 Years of Year-Over-Year Growth
Unemployment Rate Ticks Up for Every Metro Area in January
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Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 7 metropolitan areas and increased in 5, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Chicago (58 consecutive months) and Champaign (12 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in all 12 metro areas for the year ending January 2026,according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
"Chicago's continued job growth underscores the resilience of Illinois' economy, but rising unemployment across metro areas reflects broader uncertainty fueled by shifting federal policies and economic instability," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "We are staying focused on maintaining growth, supporting employers, and investing in Illinois' workforce."
The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Springfield MSA (-2.0%, -2,100) and a tie between the Decatur MSA (-1.3%, -600) and the Rockford MSA (-1.3%, -1,800). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.7%, +1,900), the Peoria MSA (+0.7%, +1,200), and the Lake County Metro Division (+0.6%, +2,000). Nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division were up +14,100 (+0.4%). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Mining and Construction (eleven areas), Private Education and Health Services (nine areas), and Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities and Government (seven areas each).
The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were a tie between the Kankakee MSA (+1.0 point to 7.2%) and the Rockford MSA (+1.0 point to 6.7%), followed by a tie between the Decatur MSA (+0.9 point to 6.7%) and the Elgin MSA (+0.9 point to 6.0%). The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 91 counties, decreased in 4 counties, and was unchanged in 7 counties.
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About the Department of Employment Security
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides vital employment services to Illinois workers, jobseekers, and employers with resources including Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, and WorkShare IL, analyzes and disseminates actionable Labor Market Information, and administers the Unemployment Insurance Program. To see the full range of services provided by IDES, and for the latest news concerning the department, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.
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Original text here: https://ides.illinois.gov/newsroom/2026/jan/chicago-metro-begins-2026-with-record-number-of-december-jobs--y.html
Calif. Gov. Newsom Launches First New Conservancy in 15 Years to Accelerate Progress at the Salton Sea
SACRAMENTO, California, April 11 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 10, 2026:
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Governor Newsom launches first new conservancy in 15 years to accelerate progress at the Salton Sea
New Salton Sea Conservancy will help sustain restoration projects improving air quality, wildlife habitat, and community health
What you need to know: California launches its first conservancy in 15 years at the Salton Sea to support habitat restoration, improve air quality, and deliver lasting benefits to Salton Sea communities. The Salton Sea Conservancy is a major
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, April 11 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 10, 2026:
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Governor Newsom launches first new conservancy in 15 years to accelerate progress at the Salton Sea
New Salton Sea Conservancy will help sustain restoration projects improving air quality, wildlife habitat, and community health
What you need to know: California launches its first conservancy in 15 years at the Salton Sea to support habitat restoration, improve air quality, and deliver lasting benefits to Salton Sea communities. The Salton Sea Conservancy is a majorstep towards long-term restoration efforts -- strengthening stewardship, investment, and public access for the communities around the Salton Sea.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the creation of the state's first new conservancy in more than 15 years, marking a major step forward in delivering lasting benefits to Salton Sea communities by supporting long-term habitat restoration efforts at the Salton Sea.
The new Salton Sea Conservancy - a result of Governor Newsom signing into law Senate Bill 583 (Padilla) - will take on a critical role to solidify the state's efforts to protect residents' health, sustain the operation and maintenance of large-scale habitat restoration, and increase public access.
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For too long, communities around the Salton Sea have carried the burden of environmental challenges and neglect. Today, California is changing that by launching the Salton Sea Conservancy to advance cleaner air, protect public health, restore critical ecosystems, and ensure the work we've started creates lasting opportunities for Salton Sea communities.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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""State agencies and our partners are delivering real progress on the ground," said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. "Long-planned projects are now getting built that improve air quality, protect local communities, and restore critical habitat-- and the Salton Sea Conservancy will keep this work moving forward. By guiding long-term stewardship of these projects, the Conservancy allows our state agency to stay focused on what comes next: more projects to protect communities, restore habitat and deliver real results for the people who live here."
The Salton Sea, California's largest inland water body, has shrunk in recent years due to reduced inflows, exposing a lakebed that could release small dust particles that exacerbate air quality challenges in the Imperial Valley. The reduced water levels and increased salinity also negatively impact habitat for wildlife, including millions of birds traveling the Pacific flyway.
A year ago, the state began filling the first major habitat expansion restoration project at the Salton Sea with water covering approximately three square miles, or about four times the size of Disneyland. This work resulted in thousands of fish and birds using the new habitat within months.
The Conservancy's purpose is to support the operation and maintenance of projects like this, helping ensure these investments continue to deliver long-term environmental and public health benefits, including reducing harmful dust from the exposed lakebed and restoring critical wildlife habitat.
"As the state tackles the enormous challenges at the Salton Sea, local representatives need to be at the table when project priorities and funding decisions are being made," said Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego). "This state conservancy, the first in nearly two decades, will give local communities an important role in guiding the Sea's future."
"I am honored to join the Salton Sea Conservancy at such a critical moment for our region," said Silvia Paz, Executive Director of Alianza Coachella Valley. "For too long, the communities most impacted by the Salton Sea's decline - such as families dealing with air pollution, children with asthma, residents who have watched this sea shrink before their eyes - have felt the weight of delayed action. The Conservancy gives us the structure to change that. By bringing together the right partners around shared priorities, we can finally align resources, cut through the fragmentation that has slowed progress, and advance real, lasting solutions for the people who need them most. I look forward to the work ahead."
"The Salton Sea Conservancy's creation is a historic moment for this region," said Gina Dockstader, Imperial Irrigation District Director. "Imperial Irrigation District is proud of its collaboration with state and federal officials to support hundreds of millions of dollars for projects that are restoring habitat and suppressing dust at the Salton Sea, and looks forward to working with the Conservancy's members to ensure the long-term benefits of these projects for Salton Sea communities."
Investing in the Salton Sea
On the restoration side, that momentum has continued with major milestones, including the expansion of the state's flagship Species Conservation Habitat Project--now one of the largest restoration efforts in the country--and the start of water deliveries to new habitat ponds supporting fish and bird populations while improving air quality. The total Species Conservation Habitat Project footprint is now envisioned to span 9,400 acres - enough space to fit roughly 7,200 football fields. It will create a network of ponds, berms, nesting and loafing islands, and water delivery systems engineered to sustain fish and bird populations - helping to restore the local ecosystem and protect air quality by reducing dust at a key area of previously exposed lakebed at the Salton Sea.
Since 2019, Governor Newsom has elevated restoration of the Salton Sea as a state priority--accelerating implementation of the Salton Sea Management Plan and securing over half a billion dollars in combined state and federal investments to move projects forward. That investment is paying off on two fronts: a recovering ecosystem and a region being repositioned as an economic powerhouse.
Through the Salton Sea Conservancy, California is building on the ground progress by strengthening long-term stewardship of projects, helping ensure continued investment, and lasting benefits for Salton Sea communities.
California's conservation leadership in action
The Golden State is leading the nation in protecting its natural resources. Through California's 30x30 initiative, a commitment to conserve 30% of the state's lands and coastal waters by 2030, California added over 1 million acres of conserved land and waters in a single year. That's larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.
Under Governor Newsom's leadership in just the last year, California helped establish two new national monuments and received international recognition for protecting marine habitats. California is also ensuring that all residents can access the state's natural wonders with programs like State Parks' discount pass programs and our Youth Community Access Program.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/04/10/governor-newsom-launches-first-new-conservancy-in-15-years-to-accelerate-progress-at-the-salton-sea/
