California broke ground on a significant flood protection project in Stockton as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard communities from climate change impacts. The project, which has a budget of $1.95 billion, aims to enhance flood protection for the Central Valley.
The Tenmile Slough levee project in Stockton is a crucial segment of the larger Lower San Joaquin River Project. The initiative is funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), and the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency. Upon completion, the project is expected to provide improved flood protection for 122,000 residents and approximately $28.7 billion in property.
Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the importance of water infrastructure investment to prepare communities for extreme weather conditions. “Investing in California’s water infrastructure benefits us all. I am grateful for the partnership here from the federal government to help us prepare our communities for extreme weather caused by climate change and prevent future disasters,” he stated.
The Tenmile Slough levee segment is currently the most critically deficient in the Central Valley levee system. This deficiency was identified following historic flooding in 1997. Efforts to evaluate and design necessary improvements have been collaborative, involving federal, state, and local partners.
The Lower San Joaquin River Project is part of a broader flood risk reduction strategy outlined in the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. This plan provides a framework for enhancing flood protection across the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins.
DWR Director Karla Nemeth underscored the project’s importance, saying, “Protecting the people and economy of San Joaquin County from the devastation of extreme flooding is enormously important. Projects like this pay for themselves many times over as shifts between extreme wet and dry conditions become more common. California is committed to making these investments in flood infrastructure across the state to adapt to our new climate reality.”
Other major flood control projects in California include the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project, the American River Common Features Project, and the completed Yuba Basin and Sutter Basin flood projects.
Senator Jerry McNerney emphasized the role of levees in protecting Delta communities and expressed gratitude for the support received from various agencies. “The Tenmile Slough levee project in Stockton is an essential step in fortifying our aging levee system,” he said.
Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom also highlighted the significance of the project. “Today marks a major milestone for the City of Stockton and our entire region. The start of construction on the Tenmile Slough levee is essential to delivering the flood protection our community needs and deserves,” she said.
The project forms part of Governor Newsom’s broader agenda to accelerate infrastructure upgrades while delivering jobs across California.
