Public Works and Natural Resources Committee

The Bellingham Public Works and Natural Resources Committee convened for a brief but productive 30-minute session, approving three significant infrastructure agreements totaling over $14 million in combined project value. The committee unanimously endorsed accepting two major Washington State Department of Transportation grants and authorized an interlocal water supply agreement with Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District. The session's marquee item was acceptance of an $11.46 million WSDOT grant for Electric Avenue Bridge reconstruction, representing the largest single infrastructure investment discussed. This project will completely replace the aging bridge that required emergency repairs in 2024, incorporating bike and pedestrian facilities while addressing forward compatibility for future transportation needs. The project carries a 13.5% local match requirement of approximately $1.4 million due to tight federal deadlines. The committee also approved a $2.315 million grant for the Samish Way and Maple Street overlay project, which requires no local match and represents 100% grant funding. This pavement resurfacing and lighting improvement project will coordinate with existing multimodal improvements already in the pipeline for the challenging Samish-Maple intersection where vehicles have previously crashed into residential property. The final item authorized a $250,000 interlocal agreement to provide temporary water supply to Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District during maintenance and construction of their water reservoir system. The arrangement leverages existing infrastructure that was recently upgraded with new metering and backflow prevention systems.