# Comprehensive Public Works Update Reveals County's Infrastructure Challenges and Successes ## Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council Public Works and Health Committee convened Tuesday afternoon, May 12, 2026, for a comprehensive update from Public Works Director Costa on the sprawling department's operations across natural resources, engineering, maintenance, ferries, and administration. All seven committee members — Elizabeth Boyle (chair), Barry Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway, Jessica Rienstra, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler — were present for what proved to be a rapid-fire briefing covering everything from flood mitigation successes to ferry reliability concerns. Meeting in hybrid format at 1:32 PM, the session was structured around a single agenda item: AB2026-328, the Public Works Department's quarterly report. Director Costa opened with an apology for the pace he would need to maintain, having condensed what started as a 20-page report down to seven pages. The breadth of topics covered reflected the massive scope of Public Works' responsibilities — from salmon recovery and stormwater management to bridge repairs and ferry operations. The meeting highlighted both the department's achievements and ongoing challenges, particularly around funding constraints, staffing shortages, and aging infrastructure. Costa's presentation painted a picture of a department juggling immediate operational needs with long-term strategic planning, all while navigating budget reductions and federal funding uncertainties. ## Natural Resources Division: Flood Mitigation and Recovery Progress Costa began with updates from the Natural Resources Division, where flood planning remains a top priority following December's devastating flooding. The Everson and Nooksack berm feasibility and preliminary engineering study is underway, while the Sumas flood resiliency planning study is expected to come before the full council this month. The Flood Plains Integrated Planning (FLIP) program continues its complex coordination work, with the technical team developing concepts to widen river corridors downstream from Everson. Meanwhile, the FLIP Steering Committee is preparing a draft schedule and funding strategy for the $13 million allocated from the state supplemental budget. "Staff also continue to work with the Executive's Office on regional decision-making agreement involving counties, cities, tribes, and other partners," Costa reported, highlighting the multi-ju…