# Transportation Infrastructure Planning for 2026-2031 On a quiet Wednesday morning, August 6, 2025, the Whatcom County Council Public Works and Health Committee gathered to review six years' worth of transportation planning that would shape how residents move through the county from 2026 to 2031. Meeting in the familiar hybrid format that had become standard practice, the committee convened at 11:20 a.m. in Council Chambers with members participating both in-person and online. Committee Chair Jon Scanlon called the brief but substantive meeting to order, with fellow committee members Mark Stremler and Ben Elenbaas present. Also attending were Councilmembers Barry Buchanan and Kaylee Galloway, underscoring the broader council interest in the upcoming transportation investments. Doug Ranney, the county's Public Works Engineer, had requested this early briefing for good reason. With no other council meeting scheduled in August, this represented the final opportunity to preview the massive Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program before its formal introduction at the September 9th Council meeting. The timing reflected a careful choreography of public process — allowing for both internal review and public comment before the plan moves through its formal adoption process. ## The Six-Year Vision: $14 Million in Strategic Investments Ranney's presentation painted a picture of a county transportation system at a crossroads. The proposed 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program represents more than just a planning document — it serves as the blueprint for how Whatcom County will prioritize millions of dollars in infrastructure investments across roads, bridges, ferries, and multimodal projects. "The Six-Year Transportation Improvement Programme is a planning document that we use to prioritise transportation improvement projects," Ranney explained to the committee. "All sections of Public Works are involved in the creation of this." The collaborative nature of the planning process was evident in Ranney's description. Traffic development, design construction, bridges, maintenance operations, stormwater management, and river and flood control teams all contribute to the prioritization process. This comprehensive approach ensures that transportation improvements align with broader infrastructure needs and environmental considerations. The program's structure reflects the county's commitment to transparency and accountability. The first year of the six-year plan becomes the Annual Construction Program, effectively authorizing staff to proceed with specific projects. This year, both programs will run concurrently, being introduced simultaneously at the September 9th meeting and proceeding to public hearing on September 27th. ## FEMA Repairs and Major Construction Projects The legacy of the devastating 2021 floods continues to shape county infrastructure priorities. Projects R1 and R2, both FEMA-funded initiatives, focus on repairing damage from that natural disaster. The Drayton Harbour Road project and Sunset Avenue repairs represent significant undertakings that have been in the planning stages for nearly four years. "We'll be hitting those hard in design, and then we'll plan to construct those next year," Ranney told the committee, indicating that these long-delayed repairs would finally move from planning to implementation in 2026. The mention of Drayton Harbour Road drew particular attention from Councilmember Elenbaas, who noted community interest in the project. "I'm happy to see the Drayton Harbour washout in the works because when Council Member Scanlon and I were in Blaine, they were very interested in how that project was coming along," Elenbaas remarked. The comment highlighted how infrastructure failures can ripple through community relationships and economic connections. Beyond flood repairs, the program includes the highly anticipated Birch Bay-Lyndon-Blaine Road roundabout project. This intersection improvement, already far along in design, represents a significant safety enhancement for one of the county's busier corridors. The project exemplifies the county's shift toward modern traffic management solutions that prioritize both safety and traffic flow. ## Bridges: An Aging Infrastructure Challenge Perhaps no aspect of Ranney's presentation revealed the infrastructure challenges facing Whatcom County more clearly than the discussion of bridge projects. When Councilmember Stremler asked whether the numerous bridge projects indicated a broader trend, Ranney's response was unequivocal: "Yes. Our bridges are ageing." The county's bridge inventory includes many timber structures, particularly vulnerable to the Pacific Northwest's moist climate. "We do have a lot of timber structures out there and that timber is very susceptible to moisture and rot," Ranney explained. This vulnerability has created an ongoing maintenance challenge that requires careful balance between in-house repairs and contracted reconstruction. The decision-making process for bridge repairs reflects the county's pragmatic approach to infrastructure management. "We work closely with our maintenance crews and discuss their comfortability with the repairs that are necessary," Ranney noted. When damage or deterioration reaches a level that poses safety risks or exceeds the technical capabilities of county crews, projects move to the formal reconstruction program. The North Lake Sammamish Bridge replacement project represents the scale of these challenges. Described as "one of our biggest construction projects ever," the ongoing replacement demonstrates both the complexity and cost of maintaining critical transportation links. The project's success has been notable, with Ranney reporting that construction is "going well" and proceeding on schedule. ## Environmental Restoration and Fish Passage The transportation program extends beyond traditional road and bridge improvements to encompass significant environmental restoration work. The fish passage program, represented by projects B10 and B11, reflects federal and state requirements for removing barriers to salmon migration. Project B10, a fish passage portfolio development initiative, will develop designs for the county's first 11 fish passage barrier removal projects using specialized aquatic organism funds. The Black Slough fish passage project (B11) involves replacing six culverts to restore natural water flow and fish migration patterns. These projects represent a intersection of transportation infrastructure and environmental stewardship that has become increasingly important in Pacific Northwest planning. The work acknowledges that roads and bridges, while essential for human transportation, can create significant barriers for wildlife and ecosystem function. ## Ferry System Modernization The county's ferry service, connecting Lummi Island to the mainland, requires ongoing attention and modernization. The transportation program includes both immediate maintenance needs and long-term infrastructure improvements. The terminal hydraulic system replacement project (F3) addresses aging equipment that controls the transfer spans connecting ferries to the terminals. "That's an ageing system that needs to be replaced," Ranney explained, noting that the hydraulic systems help with "the transfer spans going up and down." Looking ahead to 2027, the program anticipates terminal modifications related to ferry replacement, indicating a comprehensive approach to maintaining this critical transportation link for Lummi Island residents. ## Multimodal Connections and Safe Routes to School The program's multimodal section reflects growing recognition of transportation diversity needs. The Marine Drive 2 project (R15) will extend pedestrian and bicycle improvements from Alderwood to the railroad bridge, creating a significant corridor for non-motorized transportation. When Galloway asked about connections between various Marine Drive projects, Ranney acknowledged the complexity of coordinating multiple initiatives in the same area. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee's Marine Drive to Ferndale/Lummi Reservation demonstration project, City of Bellingham improvements to the Lockwood property, and county projects all contribute to a comprehensive multimodal vision. The Safe Routes to School program represents another dimension of the county's transportation equity efforts. The Alderwood Elementary School area project builds on recent successes, with Ranney noting plans to pursue additional funding in early 2026 for expanded school safety improvements. A late addition to the program involves the Bay to Baker Trail from Kendall to Glacier. With $424,000 in design funding secured, this project represents the kind of recreational transportation infrastructure that enhances quality of life while providing alternative transportation options. ## Swift Creek: Ongoing Environmental Challenge Councilmember Stremler's question about Swift Creek revealed the scale of environmental challenges facing the county. The massive ongoing project above Goodwin Road requires annual maintenance to clear sediment traps, representing a long-term commitment to managing environmental damage from past activities. "So that's a massive ongoing project that is going to require maintenance annually to clear out those sediment traps that are up there," Ranney explained. The project includes wetland creation work on the Jamaica property west of Goodwin, with 125,000 plants installed and ongoing watering maintenance. This project exemplifies how transportation infrastructure intersects with environmental restoration and long-term landscape management. The county's commitment to maintaining sediment traps and creating compensatory wetlands reflects broader environmental stewardship responsibilities that extend far beyond traditional transportation functions. ## Public Process and Next Steps Ranney emphasized the comprehensive public outreach component that would follow the committee briefing. The draft plan would be distributed to community partners, school districts, tribal governments, other agencies, and utility companies for comment before the end of August. "We'll have a webpage where people can provide comment that'll go up soon," Ranney noted, ensuring multiple avenues for public input on the six-year transportation vision. The timeline for formal adoption follows established procedures: introduction at the September 9th Council meeting, followed by public hearing on September 27th. This schedule provides ample opportunity for public review and comment while ensuring the program can be implemented in the 2026 construction season. ## Routine Success and Project Completion The meeting's tone was notably positive, with multiple references to successfully completed projects. Councilmember Elenbaas praised the Everson Goshen Road completion, noting "It rides great." Scanlon observed that "it's also nice to see when things get removed because projects are done," referring to completed projects being removed from active planning documents. These comments reflected the satisfaction that comes with infrastructure improvements that directly enhance daily life for residents. The smooth completion of projects like Everson Goshen Road demonstrates the county's capacity to deliver complex transportation improvements on schedule and within budget. ## Financial Framework and Yearly Capital The program includes $800,000 in yearly capital construction projects designed to address unanticipated infrastructure needs. This fund provides flexibility to respond to emergency repairs, accelerated deterioration, or opportunities that arise during the construction season. The funding also supports ongoing commitments like guardrail replacements and ADA transition plan barrier removal priorities, ensuring that transportation infrastructure continues to meet federal accessibility requirements and safety standards. ## Looking Forward As the brief 13-minute meeting concluded, the foundation was set for a significant six-year investment in Whatcom County's transportation infrastructure. The program balances immediate needs like flood damage repairs with long-term investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, environmental restoration, and bridge modernization. The committee's supportive tone and engaged questioning suggested broad council support for the comprehensive approach. With public comment period upcoming and formal adoption scheduled for September, the Transportation Improvement Program represents a careful balance of fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and community mobility needs. The meeting adjourned at 11:33 a.m., with committee members expressing satisfaction with the preview and indicating they would follow up with specific questions during the public comment period. The transition to the Planning and Development Committee meeting, with Scanlon continuing as chair, demonstrated the interconnected nature of county planning functions. For Whatcom County residents, the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program represents a vision of enhanced connectivity, environmental responsibility, and infrastructure resilience that will shape daily life for years to come. The careful planning process, extensive public outreach, and comprehensive scope suggest a transportation future that serves both current needs and long-term community goals.

### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council Public Works and Health Committee met on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, to review the proposed Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2026-2031. County Engineer Doug Ranney presented the plan, which prioritizes transportation projects across the county and serves as a planning document for upcoming infrastructure investments. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP):** A planning document that prioritizes transportation improvement projects across multiple categories including roads, bridges, ferries, and multimodal facilities. **FEMA-funded projects:** Infrastructure repair projects funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, typically following declared disasters like the 2021 flood. **Fish passage barriers:** Culverts or other infrastructure that prevent fish from moving freely through waterways, often requiring removal or replacement to restore natural habitat. **Safe Routes to School (SRTS):** Federal and state programs that fund infrastructure improvements to make walking and biking to school safer for children. **Annual Construction Program:** The first year of the Six-Year TIP that becomes the authorized spending plan for construction projects. **Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) funds:** Dedicated funding for projects that remove barriers preventing fish and other aquatic organisms from moving through waterways. **Bay to Baker Trail:** A regional trail system connecting Bellingham Bay to Mount Baker, with segments developed in phases. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Jon Scanlon | Committee Chair, Council Member | | Mark Stremler | Committee Member | | Ben Elenbaas | Committee Member | | Kaylee Galloway | Council Member (attending) | | Barry Buchanan | Council Member (attending) | | Doug Ranney | County Engineer, Public Works Department | ### Background Context The Six-Year TIP is a critical planning tool that helps Whatcom County prioritize and sequence major transportation investments. This program coordinates with the annual budget process and positions the county to apply for federal and state grants. Many of the projects included address ongoing challenges from the 2021 flood damage, aging infrastructure, and the need to improve multimodal transportation options. The program also reflects environmental priorities through fish passage restoration projects and climate considerations through bicycle and pedestrian improvements. ### What Happened — The Short Version Doug Ranney presented the proposed 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program, highlighting major projects including flood repair work from 2021, the Birch Bay-Lyndon-Blaine Road roundabout construction, Marine Drive pedestrian improvements, bridge replacements and repairs, ferry terminal upgrades, and new Safe Routes to School initiatives. The program will go through public comment before being introduced at the September 9th Council meeting alongside the Annual Construction Program. Council members asked questions about project coordination, the aging bridge infrastructure, and specific local projects like Swift Creek maintenance and Drayton Harbor Road repairs. ### What to Watch Next - Public comment period opens after August 6th with a webpage for community input - September 9th Council meeting for introduction of both the Six-Year TIP and Annual Construction Program - September 27th Council meeting for public hearing on both programs - Early 2026 Safe Routes to School grant application opportunity ---

**Q:** What is the time frame for the Transportation Improvement Program discussed in this meeting? **A:** 2026-2031, covering six years of planned transportation projects. **Q:** Which Council member chaired this committee meeting? **A:** Jon Scanlon served as Committee Chair. **Q:** What major disaster led to several FEMA-funded repair projects in the TIP? **A:** The 2021 flood, which damaged infrastructure including Drayton Harbor Road and Sunset Avenue. **Q:** When will the Six-Year TIP and Annual Construction Program be introduced to the full Council? **A:** September 9th, 2025, followed by a public hearing on September 27th. **Q:** Who presented the Transportation Improvement Program to the committee? **A:** Doug Ranney, County Engineer from the Public Works Department. **Q:** What is the planned construction year for the Birch Bay-Lyndon-Blaine Road roundabout? **A:** 2026, with design work already far advanced. **Q:** How much funding was awarded for the Bay to Baker Trail from Kendall to Glacier? **A:** $424,000 in design money through a grant. **Q:** What type of infrastructure problem is being addressed through fish passage projects? **A:** Culverts that block fish movement through waterways, requiring removal or replacement. **Q:** Which school area will receive Safe Routes to School improvements? **A:** Alderwood Elementary School area, building on previously approved work. **Q:** What maintenance challenge does the Swift Creek project face annually? **A:** Clearing sediment traps that collect material flowing downstream from the project area. **Q:** How much is budgeted for yearly capital construction projects? **A:** $800,000 for mostly unanticipated infrastructure needs. **Q:** What type of ferry infrastructure will be replaced in the TIP? **A:** Aging hydraulic systems on both terminals that operate the transfer spans. **Q:** Which completed project was praised by Council Member Elenbaas? **A:** Everson Goshen Road, which he noted "rides great" after completion. **Q:** What materials make county bridges particularly susceptible to damage? **A:** Timber structures that are vulnerable to moisture and rot. **Q:** When does Doug Ranney need to submit the TIP into the Granicus system? **A:** August 27th, 2025, requiring completion of the public comment period first. **Q:** What is being constructed on the Jamaica property west of Goodwin? **A:** A wetland creation project with approximately 125,000 plants. **Q:** Which Marine Drive project extends bicycle improvements to the railroad bridge? **A:** Marine Drive 2 project (R15), scheduled for design work toward 2028 construction. **Q:** What determines whether county staff or contractors handle bridge repairs? **A:** The maintenance crew's comfort level with the complexity and safety risks of required repairs. **Q:** How often does the county inspect its bridge infrastructure? **A:** Regular inspections by county inspectors who identify damage or degradation issues. **Q:** What happens to the first year of the Six-Year TIP once adopted? **A:** It becomes the Annual Construction Program, authorizing county spending on construction projects. ---