Stockton is taking a major step in flood protection with the completion of the $96 million Smith Canal Gate Project. This state-of-the-art floodgate is the first of its kind west of the Mississippi and promises to offer enhanced flood protection to thousands of residents and property owners in central Stockton, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas.
The floodgate, which was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday, will provide significant relief to approximately 8,500 properties currently located in a high-risk flood zone. One of the most immediate benefits of the project is the elimination of costly mandatory flood insurance, which has burdened homeowners in the area for years. According to project construction manager Christopher Neudeck, flood insurance premiums ranged from $1,300 to $4,000 annually. “By putting that gate in place, the mandatory flood insurance will go away,” Neudeck said.
The event was attended by Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, U.S. Rep. Josh Harder, and California State Sen. Susan Eggman, along with state and federal flood control officials. Laura Hollender, representing the California Department of Water Resources, emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “It will help protect communities and homes and people from flooding in this area directly.”
While some residents, like homeowner Jesse Gibson, were initially skeptical of the project due to a lack of recent flooding in the area, many are now looking forward to the financial relief that comes with the removal of flood insurance requirements. “If the flood insurance is eliminated, then it would be worth it,” Gibson said.
The Smith Canal Gate Project is also set to be integrated into the larger $1.4 billion U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lower San Joaquin River Project, which will begin next year and include 23 miles of levee improvements.
This project marks a significant advancement in flood protection for Stockton, aiming to safeguard residents from future flood risks while reducing financial burdens for homeowners in the area.
