Imperial County declares economic emergency

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - Imperial County leaders have declared a state of economic emergency after the Spreckels Sugar Plant in Brawley shut down. The closure has left hundreds of workers without jobs and farmers without a place to process their sugar beets.

The county already struggles with the highest unemployment rate in California, and losing this plant has made the situation even harder.

Supervisor Peggy Price said the emergency declaration is meant to bring attention and support to the area.

"Getting that support to create a pathway for us to continue producing beets here in our community," she said.

County leaders are working with farmers, businesses, and lawmakers to find long-term solutions. Price explained that help could include assistance for displaced workers and funding to rebuild the industry.

Rebuilding sugar production will require investment.

"We need a sugar allotment, but we also need a plant to process the beets," Price said.

Locals have shared their stress and concerns, and the county hopes this declaration sends a clear message to the state that Imperial County needs urgent support.

"They just want to know that we are here and that we're going to fight for them. And that's something that we are doing and will continue to do," Price added.

The closure has sparked an economic emergency that touches the whole community. Families, farmers, and workers are all affected, and leaders say the fight to keep the industry alive is far from over.