Monday May 18, 2026
KGET —
Congressman Vince Fong has secured $5 million to combat the Golden Mussel infestation across the Central Valley.
The funding comes as the Golden Mussel continues to make its way into and disrupt water systems throughout much of Central California, all the way from the San Joaquin River Delta to Kern County farms.
The mussels are invasive species that can produce millions of eggs per year. Once they make their way into water systems, they can impact water quality, reduce water flows which can effect food production and have economic impacts for costly repairs to water systems.
The invasion is to the point where the Kern County Board of Supervisors could declare it a local emergency.
The $5 million secured by Fong in community project funding would be allocated through the San Joaquin Valley Golden Mussel Watercraft Inspection Program in fiscal year 2027’s Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
The legislation has been advanced by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies and is now moving through the full House Appropriations Committee for consideration.