Seriously insufficient Trump cuts to Delta levee repairs could put Stockton in jeopardy

The Trump administration's proposed 53% cut to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ construction budget threatens essential levee restoration projects in California's Delta region. Representative Josh Harder warns that these cuts could endanger flood protection for 300,000 residents in the San Joaquin Basin Project. Alongside 11 congressional colleagues, Harder has urged the House Appropriations Committee to restore funding, citing the insufficiency of the $1.

56 billion requested in the President's budget. He draws parallels between the Delta's flood risk and New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina, highlighting the potential for devastating economic impacts. The Delta has over 1,100 miles of levees needing repair, with more than $10 billion in farmland, homes, and infrastructure at risk, generating nearly $2 billion in annual economic activity. Harder emphasizes that cutting flood protection funding at this stage puts valley communities at significant risk. In April, a $2 billion levee project began in Stockton, aimed at reducing flood risk for over 120,000 residents.

The letter from Congress members also notes other critical environmental works that could be jeopardized if funding is not restored.