Public Works and Natural Resources Committee
The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee tackled five significant infrastructure and environmental items in their April 27th meeting, with all receiving unanimous approval. The session was dominated by two major planning initiatives: a comprehensive $289 million fish passage barrier remediation plan spanning 30-60 years, and adoption of a rapid transit system that would bring 10-minute bus service to Bellingham's GO lines through $36 million in infrastructure improvements. The committee approved a groundbreaking interagency agreement with the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to systematically address 126 city-owned fish passage barriers over the next six decades. The plan represents a voluntary approach that aims to open 25% of blocked habitat within 30 years and 50% within 60 years, focusing first on high-priority barriers in major creek systems like Squalicum, Padden, and Whatcom creeks. Committee members also endorsed the city's rapid transit locally preferred alternative, which would enhance existing GO lines with bus islands, improved traffic signal priority, upgraded stops, and better scheduling to achieve 10-minute service intervals. The improvements are designed to support the city's urban village growth strategy and transit-oriented development goals outlined in the 2025 Bellingham Plan. Additional approvals included a $808,000 contract for desperately needed fleet building improvements at the Pacific Street Operations Center, addressing roof leaks and safety issues that have forced mechanics to work with buckets during rain storms. The committee also authorized a grant application for Squalicum Creek property acquisition to support fish passage restoration efforts.
**AB 24899 - Squalicum Creek Grant Authorization (Passed Unanimously)** - Authorizes application for Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Habitat Conservation Project Grant - Supports property acquisition on Squalicum Creek for fish passage improvements and riparian habitat restoration - Associated with Meridian Street crossing improvements - Staff recommendation: Approved - Council action: Unanimous approval **AB 24916 - Fish Passage Barrier Remediation Agreement (Passed Unanimously)** - Adopts interagency agreement with Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife - Implements voluntary culvert remediation plan for 126 city-owned fish passage barriers - Establishes 30-year goal of opening 25% of blocked habitat, 60-year goal of 50% - Supersedes 2022 memorandum of agreement - Staff recommendation: Approved - Council action: Unanimous approval **AB 24918 - Pacific Street Fleet Building Contract (Passed Unanimously)** - Awards bid to H…
- **Fish Passage Implementation:** Annual coordination meetings begin with all partner agencies; next construction project at Padden Creek and 30th Street scheduled for 2027-2029; over $22 million in grant applications being finalized this month - **Rapid Transit Development:** Gold line transit signal priority project moves to construction if grant funding is secured; Barkley Village tier two stop design and grant application later in 2026; TIP update in June 2026 will include transi…