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Kern County extends local emergency for invasive golden mussels as agencies report millions in costs
Summary
Kern County extended its local emergency for golden mussels for 60 days after staff reported $7.3 million in current costs and water agencies warned remediation could reach $36 million annually; staff asked the state to declare a statewide emergency to unlock funding.
Kern County Assistant CIO Stacy Kujara told the Board of Supervisors the county discovered golden mussels in March 2025 and that the board had previously proclaimed a local emergency on May 12 to accelerate coordination and funding.
"The costs currently reported by our Kern County water districts and agencies, as of July 1, are at $7,300,000," Kujara said. She added that water agencies estimate remediation could eventually reach up to $36,000,000 spent annually.
Kujara described the county’s steps: forming an ad hoc committee that invited water agencies and treatment providers, participating in a statewide task force, submitting a request under the California Disaster Assistance Act for potential reimbursement, and promoting a countywide "Golden Rule" outreach campaign to help the public spot and report golden mussels.
Supervisor Zack Flores (addressed in the record as Supervisor Flores) urged a swift state response, asking the governor and Legislature to declare a statewide emergency so the region could access state and federal funding. "Every day that goes by, every week that goes by, the situation is intensifying and getting worse," Flores said.
Board members discussed the loss of local control when the state adopts broad measures and the need to balance immediate response with protecting local interests. After discussion, a motion to extend the local emergency for an additional 60 days was made and approved; the clerk recorded the motion as approved ("The motion is approved. All ayes" in the meeting record).
Kujara said staff would continue coordinating with California Department of Fish and Wildlife, water agencies and the Office of Emergency Services and would verify damage estimates to support reimbursement requests. The board’s extension keeps the county positioned to pursue state and federal aid while local agencies continue containment and mitigation work.
