For Immediate Release:
July 8, 2025
Contact: Alexandra Nagy, alexandra@sunstonestrategies.org
Stockton, CA – Restore the Delta has been awarded a major grant from North Valley THRIVE’s Catalyst Fund to support the next phase of the Mormon Slough Restoration project, a transformative effort to reconnect Stockton’s communities with their waterways while improving flood protection, environmental health, and economic opportunity.
The grant is part of North Valley THRIVE’s Catalyst Fund, which received 72 proposals totaling over $37 million in requests. Restore the Delta’s project is one of just 21 selected to move forward for final approval by Merced College’s Board of Trustees this week. The awarded funds will cover design charrettes for two priority restoration sites and an economic cost-benefit analysis to guide the project’s long-term implementation.
“Mormon Slough restoration is a one-of-a-kind multi-benefit project built by and for the Stockton community with Tribal governments, and government agencies,” said Artie Valencia, Flood and Land Restoration Program Manager at Restore the Delta. “After decades of disinvestment, we have an opportunity here to increase flood protection and biodiversity, and most importantly, to reconnect our community to its waterways and produce the economic benefits that come with a healthy physical environment.”
The project is grounded in collaboration with the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians to ensure the restoration reflects Indigenous knowledge and priorities.
“Restoring our environment is not just a duty for the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians; it is a testament to our shared responsibility for peace and healing,” said Jesse Galvan, Tribal Historic Preservation Office Coordinator. “Together, we can create a future where every Tribal and non-Tribal community thrives, and the voices of marginalized individuals are heard.”
The project envisions transforming Mormon Slough—a nine-mile former river channel running through South and East Stockton—into a publicly accessible greenway and park that addresses local flood risks while fostering community health and economic growth. Grant-funded activities will include site inventories, Tribal- and community-led design sessions, and foundational economic analysis to ensure that restoration creates equitable benefits, honors Tribal perspectives, and avoids displacement of unhoused residents currently living near the slough.
“With this investment from North Valley THRIVE, we’re thrilled to continue growing momentum for the long-term restoration of Mormon Slough,” said Davis Harper Zapata, Director of Strategic Planning at Restore the Delta. “It’s a privilege and honor to collaborate with Stockton community members on a collective vision for the slough that prioritizes Tribal leadership, environmental health, and community wealth generation.”
Erick Serrato, Director of North Valley THRIVE, also celebrated the award. “This award by the North Valley THRIVE Steering Committee is not just an investment in the Mormon Slough project, but in Restore the Delta itself,” said Serrato. “Investing in Climate Smart Infrastructure is a key pillar of our work; we’re excited to know this important economic and climate-responsive project is in good hands.”
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