The King County WaterWorks Grant Ranking Committee – a 13-member, volunteer advisory group appointed by the King County Executive and confirmed by King County Council – seeks six new members to guide funding decisions in coming years.

Applicants must reside in the King County Wastewater Treatment Division 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 Grants Program. Nearly $2 million is awarded every two years for a variety of projects, including green stormwater infrastructure (rain gardens and cisterns), education and community engagement, research and monitoring, and stream and river bank restoration.

The committee seeks diverse applicants who may reflect and represent the spectrum of community interests in protecting and improving water quality in the region.

Specifically, applicants are sought to represent the County Council districts 1,2,5,8, and 9. Candidates must be nominated by the respective Councilmember for that district.

In addition, King County is seeking applicants for the volunteer position of Water Quality Technical Specialist, who has professional experience and knowledge of regional water quality issues.

Committee members are asked to volunteer for a minimum term of three years. Grant proposals are accepted and reviewed every other year. Duties include attending two to seven daytime meetings per year and reading application materials. Members must have:

• Experience or interest in water quality issues;

• Live in the WTD service area;

• Experience or interest in grants, contracts;

• Ability to evaluate proposals using criteria; and

• Ability to work with a committee or group to reach consensus decisions.

The deadline for initial screening of applications is Oct. 31. For more information or to request an application, contact Elizabeth Loudon, WaterWorks Grant Manager, at elizabeth.loudon@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-4297. Contact County Councilmember offices directly for the council district positions.