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.”…