The Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management “IRWM” Joint Powers Authority “JPA” also known as GWMA is a large watershed-based coalition. It is currently comprised of various cities, water agencies and a port that are responsible for coordinating the regional watershed needs of 2 million people in the Gateway Region located in Southeastern Los Angeles County. Distinctive hydrogeological, topographic, demographic and political elements bring the GWMA together as a cohesive, interdependent, self-governing body.
What is the “GWMA”?
GWMA is a JPA and is the “sister water agency” to the Gateway Cities Council of Government “COG” formed in 2007 by 10 cities and the Southeast Water Coalition- GWMA was formed in response to the State’s requirement to integrate regional watershed activities such as water supply, recycled water, stormwater, conservation measures, wastewater, etc. Officially, the State has designated GWMA as an official “Regional Integrated Water Management” area
- GWMA is a Fiduciary and Contractual Agency on Behalf of Gateway Region Cities, Watershed Groups and Regional Grant Programs with one of its core goals being to coordinate/communicate with the Gateway Cities COG on critical watershed issues and programs
- Members include Gateway Region Cities and Water Agencies
Value and Benefits of the Gateway Water Management Authority
- Organize and Coordinate economical and efficient water management activities across city boundaries
- Apply and Receive State and Federal Funding which may be more accessible through regional planning
- Provide Specific Benefits to Regional Disadvantaged Communities in the Gateway Region
- Share Information and identify common needs and issues across city boundaries
- A Single Voice to Help Build Relationships at the regional, state and federal levels
Past Regional Projects
- LA River Trash Reduction Project with $10M Federal Grant administered through the State Water Resources Control Board – 16 Cities and 11,560 Catch Basin Retro-fitted
- GWMA Coordinated and Developed a Regional 20×2020 Report Submitted to the State to Meet Conservation Regulations on behalf of its members and stakeholders to help meet their obligations from doing it regionally rather than individually
- Developed an Integrated Regional Water Management Plan adopted by the State with a $950k grant
- Administered Regional Notice Inviting Bids Process for Catch Basin Cleaning/Maintenance to Assist in Regional Pricing for Individual Cities
- Share information and develop regional best practices
Recent Regional Grant Awards
- $338k – Los Cerritos Channel Watershed Segmentation and Low Impact Development (LID) Planning Project – State Water Resources Control Board
- $1M – Advanced Meter Replacement Project – U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
- $1.074M – Prop 84 Stormwater LID BMP Project – State Water Resources Control Board
- $3,942M – Prop 84 Drought Emergency Funding – California Department of Water Resources
REGIONAL FIDUCIARY & ADMINISTRATIVE & CONTRACTING SERVICES
- Entered into Memorandum of Understandings “MOUs” with Various Watershed Group
- 4 Watershed Groups under Regulatory Compliance Timelines for Stormwater
- Lower LA River Upper Reach 2 (6 cities & Los Angeles County Flood Control District “LACFCD”)
- Lower LA River (8 cities & LACFCD)
- Lower San Gabriel River (13 cities & LACFCD)
- Los Cerritos Channel (7 cities & LACFCD)
- Entered into MOUs for Long Beach Harbors Regulatory Monitoring & Reporting Compliance
- 8 Cities, LA City Harbor Commission, LA County, LACFCD and Port of Long Beach
- Entered into Agreements to provide administrative, fiduciary and contractual services for a Joint Dominguez Channel/Harbor Toxic TMDL Monitoring Program
- 60 Cities, LA County, and LACFCD replica Rolex replica
- 4 Watershed Groups under Regulatory Compliance Timelines for Stormwater
GWMA Assistance to Disadvantaged Communities
- Temporary Reduced Membership Dues Program
- Ready to assist with Amended Judgement’s RDCIP and anticipated funds for Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) under Cap & Trade
- Participation as a member on the recently formed Gateway Cities Council of Governments “COG” Sustainability Committee