Repairs to Victoria Island Levee Underway

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) mobilized resources to the Victoria Island Levee to begin repairs starting Tuesday, December 3rd.

The County submitted a request to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Wednesday, November 6, 2024, for financial assistance through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) as Initial Damage Estimates (IDE) exceeded $2M. If approved, the CDAA would provide funding for costs incurred by government agencies on efforts responding to the levee failure event.

"We are here for the long haul," said Jordan DeStefans, Director of Emergency Operations Center. "Our commitment is unwavering, and we will see this through to the end. We’re proud to support our partners at DWR and KSN, who have been working tirelessly to ensure the levee's stability."

"The Department of Water Resources remains committed to supporting the emergency repair efforts on the Victoria Island Levee," said Sean de Guzman, Manager of DWR’s Flood Operations Section. "We expect the work to be completed within 4 to 6 weeks, weather permitting. While we are eager to see the work finished promptly, our top priority is ensuring the safety of both our crews and the residents of the island."

We kindly remind our media partners that the levee is on private property. To request access to the levee, please contact Elizabeth Ramos, Senior Civil Engineer with KSN Inc. at (209) 623-5040 or Christopher Neudeck, President with KSN Inc. at (209) 948-8479.

"Repairing the levee is a top priority, but safety remains paramount, especially during the rainy season," said Christopher Neudeck, Principal Engineer at KSN Inc. and Incident Commander. "Rain can create unexpected hazards, and failing to practice safe driving on the levee could have serious consequences."

KSN Inc. has maintained regular communication with community members living behind the levee on Victoria Island providing them with emergency protocols and updates on levee repair progress. The engineering firm continues to collaborate with local authorities and officials to stabilize and strengthen the levee infrastructure.

The County also reminds community members living behind this levee on Victoria Island and in surrounding areas to do their part and prepare now to protect their homes and loved ones from potential levee failure.

• Sign up for SJReady Alerts by going to SJReady website.
• Make an emergency plan with their family and consider each individual’s unique needs.
• Build an emergency supply kit that will last each person for 72 hours.
• Take pictures of their home and property including vehicles, boats, and farm equipment.
• Move valuables from basements and ground floors to higher levels if possible.
• Place sandbags anywhere water may enter their home.
• Stay informed. Listen to your local radio or TV station to stay up to date.
• If instructed to evacuate by local authorities, leave immediately.