Following approval of $2.8 million to help improve water quality throughout Orange County, OCTA is seeking projects from local agencies. The Environmental Cleanup Program is part of OC Go (formerly Measure M), Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, and dedicates 2 percent of gross revenue to reducing and cleaning transportation-generated pollution.
The current call for projects is intended to reduce visible forms of pollutants such as litter and debris, which collect on roadways. The funding goes toward purchasing and upgrading equipment to prevent pollutants from entering storm drains to the ocean.
OCTA’s Environmental Cleanup Program awards funds competitively to cities within Orange County and the County of Orange in a two-tiered approach and projects must demonstrate a direct connection to a reduction of transportation-related pollution and meet Clean Water Act standards. Tier 1 funds equipment and upgrades to existing storm drains. Tier 2 consists of funding for regional, potential multi-jurisdictional, and capital-intensive projects. To date, the Tier 1 program has funded 154 projects, totaling approximately $20 million and 22 tier-two projects, totaling approximately $28 million.
During this call for projects, OCTA will conduct two workshops to assist local agencies with the application process. One-on-one meetings will be offered by appointment. Applications are due May 18 and awards are expected to be approved by the board and in late summer. To learn more, visit here.