Keeping Orange County’s waterways clean begins with preventing trash and debris from entering storm drains. As part of its commitment to improving transportation while protecting Orange County’s natural resources for future generations, OCTA approved nearly $3.9 million for eight local projects to capture transportation-related pollution before it reaches creeks, rivers, harbors, and beaches.
The funding comes from the Environmental Cleanup Program, supported by Measure M, Orange County’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.
“Orange County’s beaches and waterways are among our greatest natural resources, and protecting them is an important responsibility we all share,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico, also the mayor of Dana Point. “Through Measure M, we’re working with cities across the county to make meaningful improvements that keep pollution out of our waterways and help preserve our environment for future generations.”
The projects are in Anaheim, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, with individual awards ranging from $120,000 to $600,000.
Awarded competitively through the program’s 2026 Tier 1 funding cycle, the projects will intercept litter and debris that wash from roadways into storm drains during rainfall, helping local agencies meet water quality requirements.
Since the program began in 2011, OCTA has approved more than $47 million for 249 Tier 1 projects countywide. Those projects are estimated to have captured nearly 92 million gallons of trash.
Learn more about OCTA’s efforts to improve water quality.