Ferndale Levee Improvements 

Ferndale Levee location 500pxl

Summary

The Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) is designing an improved levee system south of downtown Ferndale to protect critical infrastructure. 

Project Benefits

  • Provide reliable flood protection
  • Improve habitat, stormwater treatment, and recreational opportunities

Project Update

Initial work included field surveys in the fall and winter of 2020/2021 and evaluating design alternatives. Engineering design is currently underway. The 30% design phase is complete and included gathering information and evaluating design alternatives such as a partial realignment of Ferndale Road and river levee design features. The 60% design effort is scheduled for 2023. This phase will detail the preferred road and levee alignment. The construction schedule has not yet been determined.




Project Extents V2 lower res

Project Description

The current levee system on the Nooksack River does not provide reliable flood protection to critical infrastructure in the Ferndale area including: two water and one wastewater treatment plants, roads, parks, residences, and farmland. The proposed project will reduce flood risk to this critical infrastructure by improving the levee system. The project area extends sound of the intersection of Front Avenue and Cherry Street for about one mile. 

Contact Us


  1. Paula J. Harris, PE

    River and Flood Manager
    [email protected]
    360-778-6285 

    322 N Commercial Street
    2nd Floor
    Bellingham, WA 98225



Project Overview

  • Status: 30% design complete
  • Next Steps: 60% design
  • Engineering Design Consultant: Reichhardt and Ebe Engineering
  • Construction Contractor: TBD
  • Construction Cost: TBD
  1. Funding

Washington State Department of Ecology Floodplains by Design