Bipartisan Effort Results in $40 Million Funding for San Joaquin River Flood Prevention

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) is pleased with the result of a bipartisan effort through the Problem Solvers Caucus to obtain $40 million in flood prevention funding for the San Joaquin River. This success resulted from Governor Newsom's decision to fulfill the Caucus's budget in the May Revise. This funding was initially proposed to be cut in the Governor's January budget proposal.

"It is gratifying to see what can be accomplished when bipartisan members from both houses collaborate to solve problems and make a real difference in our communities," stated Alvarado-Gil, one of only three senatorial members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. "By investing in flood prevention measures, we are protecting our communities from devastating floods and providing peace of mind to those who live in the area. I applaud the hard work and effort of my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus in gaining this approval."

In March, the Problem Solvers Caucus sent a letter to the Governor, urging him to reverse the proposed cuts and include funding for San Joaquin floodplain projects in his updated budget proposals.

According to studies conducted by the California Department of Water Resources and the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, Central Valley flooding could potentially result in damages amounting to $1 trillion in a worst-case scenario. Even without such catastrophic events, projected deaths due to floods are expected to quadruple in the San Joaquin River Basin if recommended flood control investments are not made.

"Problem solved," exclaimed Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Lodi), a Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair. "I am grateful for my colleagues in the Caucus for helping to push this critical funding forward. These projects will save lives and help prevent catastrophic flooding throughout my district."

Established in 2020, the California Problem Solvers Caucus strives to find solutions through collaborative efforts, transcending divisions and prioritizing mutual respect over partisan bickering. The Caucus is dedicated to serving the people of California by putting their interests above party lines. For more information about the Problem Solvers Caucus, please visit www.caproblemsolversfoundation.com.

To learn more about Senator Alvarado-Gil please go to: https://sd04.senate.ca.gov/.

Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.