LA County Public Works outlines $126.3 million Bassett stormwater project at Bassett High School
Summary
LA County Public Works presented plans for a large stormwater-capture and groundwater-recharge project at Bassett High School on Oct. 28, describing an underground infiltration gallery, above‑ground educational and recreational elements, a construction manager‑at‑risk approach and a multiagency funding package.
LA County Public Works on Oct. 28 presented detailed plans for the "Bassett" stormwater-capture and groundwater-recharge project located at Bassett High School and nearby right-of-way, saying the project is in 90% design and expected to move to construction after final design is complete.
The presenter (LA County Public Works) said the project will intercept runoff at eight locations in the storm-drain network, route it through pretreatment systems to remove trash and sediment, and send the treated flow to an infiltration gallery located roughly 15 feet beneath the school's athletic field. "We will be able to capture more than 143 gallons of water per year, which equates to benefiting over 1,300 families of 4," the presenter said, noting the figure as part of the slide presentation. The agency said the project will both improve water quality and recharge the main San Gabriel Basin.
Why it matters: presenters and board members framed the project as a regional, multi-benefit investment that supplies water, improves stormwater quality, and provides community amenities. LA County Public Works said the project is one of the largest under its stormwater program and that the district's support has been essential to siting the infiltration system at the school site.
Design, timeline and construction: the presenter said the project is at 90% design with design completion slated for mid-2026; construction is anticipated to begin shortly afterward. The county described a roughly 3.5-year construction duration and said the project uses a construction manager-at-risk delivery model; the presenter noted a contractor has been engaged under that model since fall 2024. The presenter said the construction footprint extends beyond the high-school campus because of the eight diversion sites and acknowledged impacts to students, staff and neighbors during work.
Funding and partners: the county presented a $126,300,000 total-project figure. It reported an award of $31,200,000 from the Safe Clean Water Regional Program, $20,000,000 in Caltrans support, and an approximate $15,000,000 allocation from regional funds; the county said remaining costs will be covered by LA County Public Works and participating cities (Baldwin Park, La Puente and West Covina/Industry). The presenter warned that Safe Clean Water funds must be spent by 2027 or risk reversion under program rules.
Community benefits and outreach: the above-ground design described an outdoor classroom, enhancements to the school entrance, a barrier fence on the street side (six-foot fence under discussion), a remodeled multiuse sports field and a passive public recreational corner with walkways and gathering spaces. County staff said it has conducted community outreach since 2017, including design charrettes and surveys, and that Spanish-language translation will be provided on outreach materials and at meetings.
Maintenance and operations: the presenter said pretreatment structures will require monthly maintenance and that operations and maintenance will be the responsibility of LA County Public Works. In response to questions, staff described sediment filtration in the pretreatment step and said the county will maintain a public phone contact for complaints and community questions throughout construction.
Board questions and community concerns: Board member Stanzione asked about the location of the outdoor classroom and the barrier fence; the presenter pointed to an on-site classroom adjacent to the parking lot and a community classroom within the public corner space. Board members and attendees discussed whether the six-foot fence on the Puente/Temple/Ardea side remains necessary; the presenter said that fence is part of preliminary safety discussions with the school district but is optional in final above-ground design.
What remains to be decided: presenters said final design completion and permitting are pending, as are construction phasing and neighborhood impact mitigation plans. County staff said they will continue outreach and provide contact information for questions and complaints.
