- Groundbreaking held for Tenmile Slough levee upgrade in Central Valley.
- Project protects 122,000 residents and $28.7 billion in property.
- Joint funding from federal, state, and local partners.
- Part of broader $1.95B Lower San Joaquin River flood control plan.
- Governor Newsom emphasizes climate resilience and job creation.
Monday, April 21, 2025 — On April 18, California officials, alongside federal and local partners, broke ground on a major flood protection project in Stockton
that is expected to protect more than 122,000 residents and $28.7 billion in property from the rising threat of flooding along the San Joaquin River.
The Tenmile Slough levee project is the most critically deficient segment in the Central Valley levee system. Its upgrade marks a major step in the $1.95 billion Lower San Joaquin River Project, funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), and the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency.
“Investing in California’s water infrastructure benefits us all,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “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.”
The project stems from vulnerabilities first identified after the severe 1997 floods, when state and federal agencies pinpointed major flood risks in the San Joaquin River Basin. The Lower San Joaquin River Project is a cornerstone of the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan, a strategic framework for improving flood resilience in both the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins.
“Protecting the people and economy of San Joaquin County from the devastation of extreme flooding is enormously important,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “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.”
The initiative in Stockton is one of several large-scale flood control efforts currently underway in California. Other major efforts include:
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The Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project – A $600 million initiative with the State covering $210 million in non-federal costs to protect the Pajaro and Watsonville communities.
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The American River Common Features Project – A $1.85 billion project to enhance flood protection for more than 660,000 Sacramento-area residents.
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Recently completed projects – Yuba Basin ($440 million) and Sutter Basin ($320 million) improvements have lowered flood risks for 135,000 people.
Governor Newsom, working with the Legislature, has committed $560 million in recent budgets toward statewide flood response and infrastructure upgrades.
“Levees play a vitally important role in safeguarding Delta communities, farmland, and water supplies,” said Senator Jerry McNerney (SD-5). “The Tenmile Slough levee project in Stockton is an essential step in fortifying our aging levee system.”
Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (AD-13), who represents the district encompassing the levee project, also hailed the milestone. “This pivotal step reflects our long-term commitment to public safety, climate resilience, and infrastructure investment. We’re one step closer to delivering the safety and security our residents depend on.”
The construction project also aligns with Governor Newsom’s “build more, faster” agenda, designed to accelerate critical infrastructure development while creating thousands of jobs across California. More information on local projects can be found at build.ca.gov.
Image via Gov. Newsom’s press release: The Tenmile Slough levee segment is rated as the most critically deficient in the Central Valley levee system.
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