Follow the Whatcom County Council on Facebook and Instagram

The Whatcom County Council is now on Facebook and Instagram! Follow us to stay up to date on all the latest news from the Council Office. We will keep you informed about upcoming meetings, public hearings, and other local events, as well as share opportun...

Improved Water Quality Expands Shellfish Growing Areas in Portage Bay

In August, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reopened 360 acres of the Lummi Nation's shellfish beds in Portage Bay near the mouth of the Nooksack River. This brings the total area available for year-round harvest to 876 acres. A seasonal cl...

Smith/Hannegan Roadside Restoration Work Starts Sept. 17

Roadside restoration at E. Smith Road and Hannegan Road is scheduled for the week of September 16. This work includes planting and hydroseeding around the new roundabout.

Drivers should expect intermittent single-lane road closures beginning Tuesday, Septe...

Whatcom Water Week Returns September 14-22, 2024

Celebrate our local water resources during Whatcom Water Week, September 14 – 22, 2024. Water Week offers many different family-friendly events throughout Whatcom County with opportunities to have fun, learn, and make a difference. Visit the Wha...

September 23 Water Adjudication Event for Residential Well Users

Whatcom County Public Works is hosting an event to help residential well users understand and prepare for the WRIA 1 water rights adjudication. This event will take place on September 23, 5:30-7:30p.m. at the Pioneer Pavilion, 2007 Cherry St, Ferndale. Th...

Truck Road Reopens After Bank Stabilization Project

Truck Road has reopened to all traffic between Deal Road and Mosquito Lake Road in Whatcom County. Completing the Truck Road Bank Stabilization Project will help protect Truck Road from further erosion by the Nooksack River. As the project wraps, we thank...

Smith/Hannegan Intersection Now Open

The reconstructed intersection at E. Smith Road and Hannegan Road is now open. Drivers should be aware that the intersection has significantly transformed from a signalized intersection to a multi-lane roundabout. Please slow down and use caution while tr...

N. Lake Samish Bridge Now Closed to Watercraft Traffic

Construction of the new N. Lake Samish Bridge continues to progress with the recent installation of the temporary work trestle. The next critical tasks include installing the temporary sewer bypass, demolishing and removing the existing bridge, and perfor...

Draft Lake Whatcom Management Program Work Plan Accepting Public Comment

As Lake Whatcom Management Program partners, the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District are working together to develop a coordinated five-year work plan to meet program goals for the protection of Lake Whatcom and i...

N. Lake Samish Bridge Closed to All Traffic

Construction of the new N. Lake Samish Bridge will continue through August 2025. As a reminder, Lake Samish Park and the N. Lake Samish Bridge will remain closed to all traffic, including vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. This is an active construction...

Smith/Hannegan Roundabout Project Update: Intersection Closed

Construction continues on the Smith/Hannegan Intersection Improvement Project. The intersection is now closed 24 hours daily through Wednesday, August 7. The traveling public has no access through the intersection, and a detour route is in place. Signs an...

Smith/Hannegan Roundabout Project Update: Intersection Closure Dates Announced

Construction continues on the Smith/Hannegan Intersection Improvement Project. To date, work has focused on importing fill materials, grading project footprints, installing stormwater infrastructure, relocating underground utilities, and installing curb a...

N. Lake Samish Bridge Project Update: Upcoming Watercraft Impacts

Construction of the new N. Lake Samish Bridge will continue through August 2025. This summer's work includes installing the temporary work access trestle, demolishing the existing bridge, and working on the two in-water drilled shafts for the new bridge. ...

Whatcom County Superior Court to Live Stream Water Adjudication Hearing

Whatcom County Superior Court released the following information regarding the upcoming water adjudication hearing:

Whatcom County Superior Court recognizes the unprecedented size and complexity of the WRIA 1 Water adjudication. To accommodate the size of ...

Smith/Hannegan Roundabout Update: Traffic Revisions

Drivers near the E. Smith Road and Hannegan Road Intersection Improvement Project will see traffic revisions at the intersection starting Thursday, June 20. The contractor will reduce the lanes by shifting the through lanes on Hannegan and eliminating all...

North Lake Samish Bridge Project Starts Monday

North Lake Samish Drive at the bridge will be closed starting Monday, June 3, for the bridge replacement project. A signed detour route will be in place, utilizing W. Lake Samish Drive, Nulle Road, and E. Lake Samish Drive. The detour route will also be p...

Ferry Fares Increase June 1; Mail-In Forms Updated

In preparation for the ferry rate increase on June 1, the multi-ride punch card mail-in forms have been updated on the Lummi Island Ferry website. From now until June 1, there will be two forms available on the site:

• Multi-ride current rates until May 31, ...

Smith/Hannegan Roundabout Starts Wednesday; Plan for Delays

Construction on the E. Smith Road and Hannegan Road Intersection Improvement Project starts tomorrow, Wednesday, May 29. The project includes a multi-lane roundabout designed to reduce congestion and provide a safer route for all users.

Drivers should anti...

Celebrate ‘National Public Works Week’ in Whatcom County May 19-25

Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) joins the nationwide celebration of National Public Works Week, May 19-25, 2024. This annual awareness campaign recognizes those working in professions that provide and maintain the vital infrastructure and services coll...

North Lake Samish Bridge Project to Begin June 3

Based on contractor Cascade Bridge, LLC’s current schedule, construction activities have been pushed back by one week. North Lake Samish Drive at the bridge will close on Monday, June 3. At that time, a signed detour route will be in place. We still antic...

Hannegan & E. Smith Roundabout Project Starts May 28

Whatcom County Public Works will begin intersection improvements at E. Smith Road and Hannegan Road on May 28. The project includes installing a multi-lane roundabout to enhance multimodal safety and improve traffic flow through the intersection. ...

Whatcom County Public Works Kicks Off National Work Zone Awareness Week

Whatcom County Public Works is teaming up with transportation stakeholders nationwide to participate in National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), April 15-19, 2024. 

NWZAW has been observed for more than 20 years and was launched as a public awar...

Public Works Prepares for 2024 Road Shoulder Herbicide Program

The Whatcom County Public Works Department is beginning the 2024 Road Shoulder Herbicide Program. Approximately 250 miles of roads are typically scheduled for seasonal treatment. Lawns and yard areas may have a minimum 12" wide strip treated to aid d...

Whatcom County Website Will Have a New Look Starting February 21!

Water Adjudication Assistance Survey

Under Washington State law, water belongs to all the people of the state. A person or group may be granted a right to use water according to set terms, which include the volume, purpose, and place. This is referred to as a water right, the records of whic...

BBWARM District Seeks Public Feedback on Rate Study Process

UPDATE 1/16/24:  Due to inclement weather, the public meeting is postponed. There will still be a special presentation on the rate study. Find more information HERE. 

The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) Distr...

Travelers Urged to Obey ‘Road Closed’ Signs

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

Why Does Terrell Creek Stink?

Whatcom County Public Works has recently received multiple inquiries about Terrell Creek. The sight and smell of the water may seem like cause for concern; however, the conditions are actually a natural seasonal occurrence caused by a lack of rain in the ...

Follow the Whatcom County Council on Facebook and Instagram

Serve on the Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee

The Whatcom County Council is seeking applications to fill vacancies on the newly reconstituted Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee (formerly the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee). The committee’s purpose is to provide review and recommendations ...

Flooding in Whatcom County Newsletter

The Flooding in Whatcom County newsletter was recently mailed to property owners with land in flood prone areas. This newsletter contains information on how to prepare, stay safe, and recover from floods. It is available in English and Spanish online at&a...

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...

Whatcom Water Week Returns September 9-17, 2023

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...

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...

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.

Read on...

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, ...

‘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...

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...

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 &...

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...

New River Gaging Stations in Whatcom County

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...

Flood Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants Update

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...

Floodplain Management in Whatcom County: Who Does What

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...

Nooksack River Levee System Repairs and Bank Protection Improvements

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. ...

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...

County Committed to Partnership in Cross-Border Flood Planning Efforts

Read on...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...