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Board approves Washington D.C. trip for five supervisors to press Lithium Valley, sugar allocation and federal funding
Summary
The Board authorized out‑of‑state travel to Washington D.C. June 1–6 for five supervisors and two CEO staff to advocate on Lithium Valley, sugar allocation, New River remediation, FEMA grants and PILT funding.
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors on May 20 approved out‑of‑state travel for five board members and two County Executive Office staff to Washington, D.C., from June 1–6 to pursue federal advocacy on multiple county priorities.
Rebecca Trazas Baxter, speaking on the county’s advocacy trip, said the delegation will press for support on Lithium Valley development and geothermal projects and will seek federal help on several active county issues, including sugar allocation discussions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New River remediation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, FEMA grant resources for fire personnel funding, payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) and airport funding and compliance. Trazas Baxter said the trip was timed to coincide with an industry conference in D.C. focused on lithium development so county representatives could attend and participate on panels.
Supervisor Ryan Elliott Kelly moved to approve the travel; Supervisor Peggy Price seconded the motion. The motion carried on roll call.
County staff estimated the delegation’s travel cost at approximately $20,000. Trazas Baxter said the trip includes a free conference registration for government employees and that members of the county’s Lithium Valley subcommittee will participate in a conference panel while in Washington.
A board majority approved the requested travel so staff and supervisors can meet with federal agencies and congressional staffers to pursue the county’s list of priorities.
