Commissioners flag golden mussel risk and note $200 million award for Frank Kern Canal work

Commissioner Quinley used commissioner comments at the May 11 meeting to flag the invasive golden mussel as a growing statewide threat that could reach Tulare County water infrastructure.

"The golden mussel is a growing concern statewide ... I think Kern County and San Joaquin have already been or are taking action to declare emergency related activities," Quinley said, warning that the Frank Kern Canal and local reservoirs could be vulnerable to infestation.

He cited a neighboring district’s recent treatment expense, saying an Arvin Edison Water Storage District contractor spent nearly $3,000,000 on treatment. Quinley suggested the county should put the issue "on our radar" and consider proactive measures to avoid a local emergency.

Quinley also highlighted a major federal funding award for the Frank Kern Canal: he said the Frank Water Authority was selected for $200,000,000 in non-reimbursable federal funds under the first tranche of the large federal bill he referred to as the "1 big beautiful bill." He said the allocation will fund pump-plant rebuilding and capacity correction work and warned that those projects will require close coordination with county bridges, rights-of-way and Caltrans on Highway 190.

Commissioners discussed coordination and noted potential impacts to county infrastructure; no formal county funding decision or emergency declaration was taken at the meeting.