SCCWRP facilitating science panel developing strategy for L.A. County stormwater research grant program

SCCWRP has begun facilitating an advisory panel that is tasked with advancing Los Angeles County’s Safe Clean Water Scientific Study Program through the development of a multi-year research strategy that can serve as the focus of future grant-making rounds.

The six-member Science Advisory Panel, which is comprised of experts in engineering, microbiology, ecology, and toxicology, held its first meeting at SCCWRP in September to hear testimony from all levels of the Scientific Study proposal process, including Safe Clean Water leadership, the Regional Oversight Committee, Watershed Area Steering Committees, and previous scientific study grantees.

The Safe Clean Water Program, which was established in 2018 after Los Angeles County voters passed Measure W, spends $280 million annually creating infrastructure to capture, treat and use stormwater runoff – with 5% of its budget going to fund competitive scientific study proposals aimed at improving the design and implementation of stormwater capital improvement projects. It is one of the largest grant-making programs of its kind in the nation.

The Panel is expected to develop strategic research directions centered around water supply, water quality, and nature-based solutions. The Panel’s recommendations are expected in April 2027.