The Lower San Joaquin Levee District was created by the State Legislature in 1955.  Levee District purpose, in part, is to operate, maintain and repair levees, bypasses, channels, control structures, and other facilities in connection with the Lower San Joaquin River Flood Control Project.

In an assurance agreement, signed in 1958, the Levee District obligation is to the California Central Valley Flood Protection Board, who owns the flood project.