Stockton, CA. - On May 28, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation for San Joaquin County to support ongoing recovery efforts for the Victoria Island Levee Failure providing financial assistance for recovery efforts.

"The emergency proclamation for the Victoria Island Levee Failure ensures vital support from the state to aid recovery efforts," said Tiffany Cacho, Director of Emergency Operations, County of San Joaquin, Office of Emergency Services. "We appreciate the State's commitment to helping our County and reclamation district address the impacts of this event and move forward in recovery."

On November 6, 2024, the County submitted a request to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for financial assistance through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA). With the emergency proclamation issued, the CDAA would now be available to provide funding for costs incurred by government agencies for the response and recovery efforts stemming from the Victoria Island Levee Failure.

“Our initial damage estimates exceeded $1.2 million,” said Christopher Neudeck, President, KSN Inc. and District Engineer for Reclamation District 2040. “With the Governor's support, we now have the critical resources needed to continue safeguarding our community, protect agricultural lands in San Joaquin County, and accelerate recovery efforts.”

On October 21, 2024, a 2,000-foot section of the Victoria Island levee in San Joaquin County suffered a significant failure, resulting in water discharging at an estimated rate of 6,000 gallons per minute through the levee's base. The immediate and coordinated response from Reclamation District 2040, the County of San Joaquin, and the California Department of Water Resources, critical infrastructure including Highway 4, nearby residential properties, and drinking water inlets was protected from further damage.

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