SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom announces that the 2026–27 State Budget includes $6 million for Delta-based decontamination control sites to help prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels across California waterways.
The funding builds on Assemblymember Ransom’s broader effort to strengthen California’s response to golden mussels, including AB 2032, the Golden Mussel Response Act, which would help local water agencies respond more quickly to prevent, mitigate, control, and eradicate golden mussels. The $6 million was included following Assemblymember Ransom’s budget request and was advanced as a Delta Caucus priority to ensure California’s response includes direct investment in the Delta and the people experiencing the impacts since discovery.
“This funding brings critical state support to San Joaquin County and the Delta, where our communities have been experiencing the impacts of golden mussels since day one. Without urgent action, golden mussels will continue to spread through California waterways, and families will bear the cost of this crisis through higher water rates and increased food prices.”
-Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom
Since golden mussels were first detected near the Port of Stockton, water agencies across California have been working to respond to golden mussel infestations in waterways and water infrastructure throughout the state. Assemblymember Ransom has emphasized that California’s response must move with urgency and include both policy changes and direct resources to help contain the spread.
AB 2032 focuses on cutting through delays so local water agencies can act quickly, while the $6 million budget investment is intended to support Delta-based decontamination efforts that help reduce the risk of further spread across California waterways.
Assemblymember Ransom will continue working to ensure this funding is used for real, on-the-ground containment efforts that help protect California waterways while also supporting the Delta and the communities on the front lines of this invasion.
