Questions about the project? Please call our Project Hotline at (209) 487-1387. 

Smith Canal Gate Project & FEMA Remapping Update

The Smith Canal Gate structure has been completed. The construction contractor is completing "punchlist" items necessary for project certification. Once the contractor has fulfilled its obligations and provided the project "as builts," the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency will submit the accreditation package to FEMA for remapping (officially known as a "Letter of Map" Revision).

FEMA is expected to issue revised flood maps in 2025, however this schedule could be impacted by demands on FEMA staff to support disaster response efforts elsewhere in the United States. Once maps are finalized, homeowners will no longer be required to purchase high-risk flood insurance. Please keep insurance policies active until you've received notice that flood maps have been finalized!

Both the Smith Canal Gate Project and repairs to the Wisconsin Pump Station (completed) were necessary to meet FEMA's requirements for 100-year flood protection. The pump station alone does not meet FEMA's requirements, or vice versa. Together these projects protect against flooding from Smith Canal and internal drainage, meeting FEMA requirements.

The Smith Canal Gate Project is part of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Lower San Joaquin River Project and will be part of the State Plan of Flood Control. It includes a floodwall along the San Joaquin River between Dad’s Point and the eastern boundary of the Stockton Golf & Country Club, tying into the existing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accredited levee. The floodwall will feature a gate for boat access to Atherton Cove and Smith Canal. The gate will remain open, except during high water and tide events and for periodic testing. Dad’s Point will be raised and strengthened to allow certification as a levee. The Smith Canal Gate Project will meet State and Federal standards for flood protection by isolating Smith Canal from the San Joaquin River during high water and tide events.

Construction began in July 2020. 

Project Overview

Project will End Mandatory Flood Insurance and FEMA-Related Building Restrictions

Once FEMA accredits the project, it will “remap” the Smith Canal area to remove the “high risk” flood zone designation. This will eliminate mandatory flood insurance requirements and FEMA-related building restrictions for approximately 5,000 properties, and prevent approximately 3,000 additional properties from being mapped into a high-risk zone. Property owners will be able to purchase flood insurance at low-risk rates. FEMA previously reissued a Conditional Letter of Map Revision, or CLOMR, confirming that the project will provide the required 100-year flood protection, if constructed as designed. Until FEMA has issued new Flood Insurance Rate Maps, properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area (high-risk flood zone) will remain subject to mandatory flood insurance (properties with federally-backed mortgages) and building restrictions (all properties). If you have flood insurance, please check with your insurance provider on costs for policy renewals.