Natural Bird and Vegetation Abatement Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

A framework for disparate agencies to integrate programs and projects that protect and enhance regional water resources was established in Orange County, California, in 2004. The South Watershed Management Area is a voluntary, collaborative forum of agencies responsible for flood control, water supply, surface water quality, and wastewater. Its Executive Committee comprises an elected official from each of the twenty participating organizations. The purpose of the group is to manage the water resources of the region in a multidisciplinary and systems approach. Its primary achievements are improved integration and collaboration among agencies with water management responsibilities and the development of an Integrated Regional Water Management Plan. As a result of the Plan, participating agencies are implementing nearly $200 million in water infrastructure and environmental enhancements with over $37 million dollars in grants for integrated, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-beneficial projects.