​Project Update for January 30, 2019

• Schedule:  The cultural resources component of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has been executed by all signatories. The public hearing for the shorelines permit has been scheduled for the beginning of April. Upon completion of the permitting process and the right-of-way certification by FHWA, the construction schedule will be announced.
• Construction:  After all permits have been issued and the right-of-way has been certified, a contractor will be selected through the competitive bid process. Construction schedule has not yet been determined.
• Right-of-Way:  Whatcom County is finalizing remaining property negotiations and updating temporary construction easements on a number of parcels.
• Permits: The outstanding reviews and permits are as follows:
a) NEPA review - Cultural Resources - Section 106 complete
b) Department of the Army - Standard Individual Permit
c) Shoreline Substantial Development Permit - April 2019

Design:  Plans are at 95% complete. Finalization of the construction plan set will occur once the NEPA review is complete and the right-of-way has been certified.

We sincerely appreciate the public's patience as we work through all the requirements of this federally funded project.

Update for the week of May 1st, 2017 

The archaeological test excavations were completed last week. We appreciate your patience during the testing and future needs on Birch Bay Drive.

Update for the week beginning April 3, 2017: Survey Work
Whatcom County Public Works Survey Crew will be performing some survey work during this week related to the design phase of the project. There will be no lane closures associated with the work. Work will occur on the shoulder of Birch Bay Drive and will last approximately 2 days.

Update 12/1/16: Shoreline Permit Hearing postponed.

The Open Record Public Hearing for the Shoreline Permit has been canceled for Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at 1:40 PM, in the Council Chambers, Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA.  

  The Shoreline Permit Hearing will be re-scheduled to a future date in 2017.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and encourage continued monitoring of this website for future updates.