Help King County determine how to award grant funding that will improve the region’s water quality

October 17, 2022

Summary

King County Wastewater Treatment Division has opportunities available for eight people who would like to volunteer and serve their community by joining the WaterWorks Grant Ranking Committee. The deadline to apply is Oct. 25.

Story

The King County WaterWorks Grant Ranking Committee – a 13-member, volunteer advisory group appointed by the King County Executive and King County Council – is recruiting eight new members to guide funding decisions in coming years. Applicants must reside in the King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) Service Area and have experience or interest in water quality issues.

The committee reviews, ranks, and recommends grant proposals for funding through the King County WaterWorks Grant Program. More than $4 million in grants are awarded every two years for a variety of projects that improve water quality in the Wastewater Treatment Division’s service area.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 25.

Supported projects include green stormwater infrastructure (rain gardens and cisterns), education and community engagement, research and monitoring, source control, and stream and riverbank restoration.

The program seeks diverse applicants who reflect and represent the spectrum of community interests in protecting and improving water quality in the region. The committee has eight open positions and is seeking applicants who represent King County Council districts 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

In addition, the position of Water Quality Technical Specialist is open. Candidates for this position must have professional experience and knowledge of regional water quality issues. This position is not nominated by the district Councilmember.

Committee members are asked to volunteer for a minimum term of three years. Duties include attending an estimated 13 meetings during grant reviews that occur during odd-numbered years one to two meetings during  even-numbered years, and reading several hundred pages of application materials. Meetings will be virtual with the possibility of some in-person meetings.

In addition to living in the WTD service area, members must have:

- Experience or interest in water quality issues,
- Experience or interest in grants, contracts,
- Ability to evaluate proposals using specific criteria, and
- Ability to work with a committee or group to reach consensus decisions

Residents can fill out an application, or submit a resume in lieu of an application. Completed applications, resumes, or any questions should be sent to Elizabeth Loudon, WaterWorks Grant Manager, 206-477-4297. Applicants may also contact councilmember offices directly.

RELEVANT LINKS
WaterWorks Grant Program
King County Boards and Commissions Currently Recruiting – scroll down for WaterWorks
Wastewater Treatment Division Service Area map
King County Districts and Councilmembers - to find your district

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Marie Fiore, Wastewater Treatment Division, 206-263-0284