STOCKTON, Calif. — A $2.5 million investment will pave the way for a new public aquatics center along the delta in Stockton. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board approved the funds to begin the planning phase for the San Joaquin Community Foundation's Delta Aquatic Center of Stockton.
The Americans with Disabilities Act-friendly water sports facility, expected to cost a total of $15 million, would allow people to access some of the nearly 700 miles of waterways surrounding Stockton using small, human-powered watercraft.
“Once completed, this public investment will bring much-needed hands-on education and employment opportunities for our region and dramatically improve access to the Delta waterways for recreation and tourism," said San Joaquin Community Foundation's CEO Moses Zapien in a statement. "Stockton is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, and the Delta Aquatic Center of Stockton will be impactful to the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
Four sites are under consideration as possible locations for the center. They include properties along the San Joaquin River near Monte Diablo Avenue, the Smith Canal and the Calaveras River.
The grant money for the planning phase comes from the state's Climate, Access and Resources fund which was approved in the Budget Acts of 2021 and 2022.
According to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Board, the project will be shovel-ready after the planning phase is completed. The phase will include project design, planning, permits and outreach.
Once finished, the Delta Sculling Center would move into the new facility and provide programs for the youth and people who are disadvantaged or disabled.
Organizers of the project will look toward the public, private, and corporate sectors for funding to complete the project.
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