Newsflash

Posted on: September 5, 2023

Preparing for the Adjudication Event on September 13, 2023

Join Aspect Consulting, Associated Earth Sciences, and RH2 Engineering, with guest appearance by the Department of Ecology, to learn how to prepare for the upcoming WRIA 1 Nooksack Watershed adjudication. This event will take place on September 13th, 4:30...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: August 25, 2023

Whatcom Water Week Returns September 9-17, 2023

A cartoon water drop costume behind pieces of metal, rope, and netting

Water Week offers many different family-friendly events throughout Whatcom County with opportunities to have fun, learn, and make a difference. Visit www.whatcomwin.org/water-week-events for a complete calendar of events and details. There’s something for...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: August 24, 2023

Whatcom Marine Resources Committee Helps Remove Derelict Vessel from County Beach

The Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) recently partnered with other local stakeholders to remove a derelict vessel from the Nooksack River Delta in Bellingham Bay. The Whatcom County Public Works Natural Resources Division provides technical assist...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: July 26, 2023

Public Hearing August 8th on Temporary Closure of West Smith Road

Whatcom County Council will hold a public hearing on August 8 during their regular 6 p.m. meeting regarding a proposed ordinance to establish a temporary closure of West Smith Road. The proposed ordinance comes in response to a request from the City of Fe...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: July 6, 2023

Birch Bay Drive Paving Project Delayed

The Birch Bay Drive Paving Rehabilitation Project, previously set to begin Monday, July 10, 2023, is now delayed. The project team was recently made aware of delays in critical project permitting required to begin work. As a result, the project’s contract...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: June 15, 2023

Bay Road Corridor Stop Control: New Stop Signs Installed

On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Whatcom County Public Works completed the installation of All-Way Stops on Bay Rd at both Kickerville Rd and Valley View Rd. These All-Way Stops were authorized by the County Council in Ordinances 2022-087 and 2022-088.

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Public Works - News
Posted on: June 1, 2023

Consumer Alert: Roadwork Scammers Impersonating Whatcom County Employees

Whatcom County Public Works has been made aware of scammers impersonating Whatcom County employees, offering a local resident free gravel they claim was left over from a nearby job site. These individuals have targeted at least one homeowner in the area, ...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: May 30, 2023

Mount Baker Highway Closure Starts June 5

We're just under a week away from a summer-long closure of State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway between Britton Road and Noon Road. Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will build a new bridge for the&nbs...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: May 26, 2023

POSTPONED: Birch Bay Dr. & Birch Point Rd. Stop Sign Installation May 31

Update:  POSTPONED. This work has been postponed until the week of June 5, 2023.

Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) crews will install stop signs and related road markings at Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point Road on Wednesday, May 31.

Ordinance 2023...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: May 25, 2023

‘The Berm’ Earns Statewide Recognition as Public Works Project of the Year

The American Public Works Association (APWA) Washington Chapter selected Whatcom County's Birch Bay Drive & Pedestrian Facility Project as a 2023 Public Works Project of the Year. Locally known as 'The Berm,' the pr...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: May 19, 2023

May 21-27 is ‘National Public Works Week’ in Whatcom County

Whatcom County Public Works is celebrating National Public Works Week, May 21-27, 2023. The week recognizes those working in professions that provide and maintain the vital infrastructure and services collectively known as public works. Over the week, wor...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: April 13, 2023

Summer Construction Detours for WSDOT Fish Passage Projects

Travelers on the Guide Meridian and Mount Baker Highway may experience detours from two construction projects by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) this summer. These projects are the WSDOT SR-542 Squalicum Creek to Bellingham Bay &...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: April 12, 2023

Birch Point Road & Birch Bay Drive Stop Signs--Additional Information

Birch Bay Drive Birch Point Road stop signs with stops.JPG

In January 2023, Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) proposed an ordinance to ‘install stop signs on certain county roads.’ This ordinance was introduced at the Whatcom County Council meeting on February 7, 2023, and put to a public hearing and vote at the...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: March 17, 2023

Lake Whatcom Management Program Public Meeting March 29

Lake Whatcom Cooperative Management logo

Curious about Lake Whatcom water quality and protection efforts? The public is invited to learn more about the Lake Whatcom Management Program at a meeting of the Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer Distri...

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Additional Info... Public Works - News
Posted on: November 30, 2022

Flood Safety: Please Obey All Road Signs

The traffic safety signs you see while driving, biking, or walking near a roadway play a vital role in keeping you safe. This time of year, it’s not uncommon to encounter flooded roads, and you may come across signs that read ‘Water Over Roadway’ or ‘Road...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: November 23, 2022

Whatcom Clean Water Program Is Asking for Your Help Preventing Pollution!

Bellingham, WA - This fall and winter, Whatcom Clean Water Program partners are asking local community members to take steps to keep our waterways clean and community healthy. As rains return following a dry summer, pollutants are washed off hard surfaces...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: November 10, 2022

New River Gaging Stations in Whatcom County

Emerson Rd gaging station webcam

In partnership with Whatcom County Public Works, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) installed two new gaging stations this fall and made upgrades to a third. These new stations will allow the county and others to better monitor rising water levels if the N...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: November 9, 2022

Staffing Shortage Could Affect Whatcom County’s Snow Response

Snow Plow

As winter 2022-2023 approaches, Whatcom County Public Works is facing significant staffing shortages for weather response operations – specifically, a shortage of employees who are licensed, qualified, and experienced in operating snow plows. 

Ope...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: November 7, 2022

Flood Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants Update

FEMA elevation graphic

The November 2021 floods caused significant property damage throughout our community. Our River and Flood Division has been working with willing landowners to seek FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to reduce the risk of future flood dama...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: October 31, 2022

Floodplain Management in Whatcom County: Who Does What

Nooksack floodplain cross section

Floodplain Management in Whatcom County: Who Does What

As we move into rain and flood season, here’s an overview of the organizations and jurisdictions that work together to reduce flood risks to infrastructure like homes, businesses, and roads i...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: October 24, 2022

Sandbag Resources and Availability in Whatcom County

To help prepare for the upcoming flood season, many residents want to know where they can access sandbags to protect their homes and property. The Whatcom County Public Works Department has received several requests for sand and sandbag materials, and we&...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: October 17, 2022

Nooksack River Levee System Repairs and Bank Protection Improvements

Fishtrap Creek levee repair Nov 2021 resized

Following the November 2021 floods, Whatcom County Public Works has been working with partners like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local diking and drainage districts to complete Nooksack River levee system repairs and bank protection improvements. ...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: October 10, 2022

Annual 'Flooding in Whatcom County' Newsletter Now Available Online

Many people in our community are still recovering from the devastating November 2021 floods. People want to know what local government is doing to help and to prepare for the coming rain and flood season. Our annual ‘Flooding in Whatcom...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: December 28, 2021

Extreme Cold Weather and Possible Snow Continue

Forecasts show a chance of snow each day through the end of this week, along with blustery winds and bitter cold. Stay home if you can. If you must travel, go S-L-O-W, and make sure to have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Remember that we plow cou...
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Public Works - News
Posted on: November 4, 2021

Whatcom County Awarded $1.94 Million in Federal Highway Funding for Two Birch Bay Area Projects

Federal funding of approximately $1.94 million has been awarded to Whatcom County Public Works to support two different road projects in the Birch Bay area. 

  • The Birch Bay – Lynden Road and Blaine Road Intersection Improvements Project w...
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Public Works - News
Posted on: October 12, 2021

Message Sent to School and Government Officials Regarding Winter Storm Response Capabilities

The following message was sent to school districts, fire districts, municipal, and other government agencies within Whatcom County on Oct. 12, 2021. 

Dear School/Government Official or Service Provider,

As we move into our second fall and winter wi...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: September 14, 2021

Stormwater Contractors Invited to be Part of New Business List

Whatcom County is compiling a list of contractors who provide services related to stormwater facility maintenance, i.e. catch basin/manhole cleaning and/or repair, detention pond maintenance, storm pipe jetting and/or repair, vegetative management, and en...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: June 21, 2021

Protect Vulnerable Birch Bay 'Berm' Plantings this July 4

BELLINGHAM, WA – The newly completed Birch Bay “Berm” includes over 110,000 young native plants that will restore shoreline habitat, help protect the beach from erosion during winter storms, and reduce project costs. Anyone c...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: June 15, 2021

Neighbors Team Up with Whatcom County, State Agencies, to Clean Styrofoam Waste from Lake Samish

Lake Samish Cleanup

Recently, Lake Samish residents spent a rainy week out on the water gathering litter – but not the traditional plastic bottles, aluminum cars, or food packaging. These neighbors were picking up Styrofoam. The Styrofoam blocks were used as dock f...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: May 20, 2021

Join Us for a Fun Volunteer Celebration and Beach Cleanup in Birch Bay with Giveaways

Low tides, free parking, guided naturalist beach walks, and free popsicles are just a few of the exciting things happening at Birch Bay State Park for the “Watershed Watchers: Day at the Beach” event from noon to 3pm on Saturday, June ...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: November 19, 2020

Public Works Launches New Travel Planning Tool; COVID-19 Could Impact Snow Response

Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) has launched a new online tool for residents that shows active construction projects and snow routes called the County Travel Planner; it includes an interactive map so travelers can plan their routes. This is especially...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: July 21, 2020

Lummi Island Ferry Crew Rescue Distressed Kayakers

Keen observation and quick action by the captain and crew of the Whatcom Chief saved two kayakers on Thursday, July 16. During a routine trip between Lummi Island and the mainland, Whatcom Chief Captain Gary Poole noticed a kayak in the distance that was ...

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Public Works - News
Posted on: June 17, 2020

Public Invited to Help Collect Valuable Species Data Using Smartphone App

Community members are invited to become science volunteers as part of the newest project by the North Sound Stewards Program, organized by the Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) and RE Sources. The program will utilize iNaturalist, a free app and we...

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Public Works - News