Balfour Beatty has been chosen to deliver the $60 million Bassett High School Stormwater Capture project in La Puente, California. In collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LA Public Works) and Bassett Unified School District (Bassett USD), the project will involve constructing an underground infiltration gallery at Bassett High School to improve water quality for nearby communities, including La Puente, West Covina, Baldwin Park, and the City of Industry. It will also enhance the campus’ green spaces for public use.
Balfour Beatty will serve as the construction manager at-risk, overseeing the installation of underground storage systems, storm drain infrastructure, pump stations, and filtration vaults beneath the school. Additional features of the project include irrigation systems, water quality monitoring equipment, and telemetry tools. The project will also focus on enhancing athletic fields and creating new educational gardens with drought-resistant plants and trees to provide shade and cooling effects. A portion of the athletic fields is planned to become a public pocket park.
“We are thrilled to partner with LA County Public Works and the local school district on this important infrastructure project that will enhance sustainability and benefit the community," said Kelly Phariss, Vice President of West Operations at Balfour Beatty US Civils. "As part of our strategic focus on delivering collaborative projects, our team brings specialized expertise in water treatment systems, stormwater management, and landscape design to deliver this project in an environmentally responsible way. By reducing pollutants, reusing water through innovative irrigation, and elevating the landscaping, we're proud to contribute to the long-term health of the San Gabriel River and Walnut Creek areas.”
Balfour Beatty’s Civils operations specialize in infrastructure projects that combine sustainability with environmental stewardship. The company recently completed the Sterling Natural Resource Center in San Bernardino, California, which included similar elements like park improvements and paving. Additionally, Balfour Beatty is currently working on the San Gabriel Valley Aquatic Center, located just 1.5 miles from Bassett High School, which also incorporates stormwater capture measures.
The Bassett High School Stormwater Capture project is currently in the design phase and is scheduled for completion in Spring 2029.