HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2025-036Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
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Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2025-676
File ID: AB2025-676 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 09/24/2025 Entered by: jsmiley@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Public Works File Type: Resolution (FCZDBS) Requiring a Public Hearing
Department
Assigned to: Council Final Action: 11/05/2025
Agenda Date: 11/05/2025 Enactment #: RES 2025-036
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: SDraper@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution adopting the 2026-2031 Six -Year Water Resources Improvement Program (WRIP)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
The adoption by resolution is pursuant to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 86.15.110)
Please see attached Memo
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body:
Action:
Sent To:
10/07/2025 Council WITHDRAWN
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
10/21/2025 Council SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED Council
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Aye: 6 Buchanan, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 1 Byrd
11/05/2025 Council APPROVED
Aye: 5 Buchanan, Byrd, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 2 Donovan, and Elenbaas
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 111612025
Agenda Bill Master Report Continued (AB2025-676)
Attachments: Staff Memo, Proposed Resolution, Staff Memo 10,21.2025, Substitute Resolution Introduced on
10.21.2025, Notice of Hearing after 10.21.2025
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 111612025
PROPOSED BY: Public Works
INTRODUCED: 1 n,/7i2s
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-036
(A Resolution of the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District
Board of Supervisors)
WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT
SIX -YEAR WATER RESOURCES IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
FOR THE YEARS 2026 THROUGH 2O31
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 86.15.110, flood control or storm water control
improvements may be extended, enlarged, acquired, or constructed by a flood control zone
pursuant to a resolution adopted by its Board of Supervisors; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Public Works Department on behalf of the Whatcom
County Flood Control Zone District has prepared a Six -Year Water Resources Improvement
Program for adoption; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 86.15.120, the Supervisors shall hold a public hearing
prior to adopting the resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Six -Year Water Resources Improvement Program attached hereto as
Exhibit "A" has been reviewed and determined to be consistent with Whatcom County's
comprehensive plan and is consistent with the following plans:
• Lower Nooksack River Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan, October
1999
• Jones Creek Debris Flow Study, March 2004
• WRIA 1 Salmon Recovery Plan, October 2005
• Birch Bay Comprehensive Stormwater Plan, July 2006
• Lake Whatcom Comprehensive Stormwater Plan, March 2008
• Lake Samish Basin Comprehensive Stormwater Plan, July 2012
• Birch Bay Central North Sub -Watershed Master Plan, December 2013
• Birch Bay Central South Sub -Watershed Master Plan, January 2015
• Nooksack River System -Wide Improvement Framework, June 2016
Page 1
• Birch Point, Terrell Creek Urban Area, and Point Whitehorn Sub -watershed
Master Plan, November 2016
• Lake Whatcom Comprehensive Plan: Stormwater Capital Program Update,
September 2017
• Lake Whatcom East Geneva Sub -watershed Master Plan, January 2021
• Birch Point Sub -watershed Drainage Study Report, September 2023
• Lake Whatcom Management Program 2025-2029 Work Plan; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 86.15.110, the preliminary engineering studies for
constructed improvements are on file with the Whatcom County Public Works Department;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 86.15.110, the estimated cost of the acquisition or
construction of the improvement, together with supporting data, is included in the Six -Year
Water Resources Improvement Program; and
WHEREAS, the improvements will benefit one or more flood control zones, subzones
and the county as a whole.
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, RE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors as follows:
That the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Six -Year Water Resources
Improvement Program for the years 2026 through 2031, which is attached hereto as
Exhibit "A", is hereby adopted.
APPROVED this 5th day of November, 2025.
���� C 0�� tl
�� a® kAA 0':,�°°�,: Flood Control Zone District Board of
C�
®� °® Supervisors
ATTEST �� COUNTY `� � � WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Cathy Hatka, CiW#"'C@FjnciI . Kaylee Galloway, Chair
APPROVED AS,TOIFORM:*
lEs
Christopher Ouinn, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney - Civil Division
Page 3
WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT 2026-2031 SIX -YEAR WATER RESOURCES IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
EXHIBIT A
FINE
FINE
Page 1
WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT 2026-2031 SIX -YEAR WATER RESOURCES IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM EXHIBITA
Page 2
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 1
Eagleridge Stormwater Improvements
Database ID No. 20-007
Construction Funding Years : 2026
Project Narrative:
This project includes the installation of a water quality treatment facilities associated with the Eagleridge neighborhood
in the Lake Whatcom watershed. The Eagleridge development is approximately 34 acres and runoff from this
development will be routed through water quality facilities to help remove sediments and phosphorus before entering
Lake Whatcom.
Project Status:
Design work was initiated in 2024 and construction is scheduled to take place in 2026.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $865,000
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 2
Austin Court Stormwater Improvements
Database ID No. 20-008
Construction Funding Years : 2026
Project Narrative:
This project includes the installation of a large filter vault to improve water quality in the existing Austin Court
stormwater system. The tributary area is approximately three acres and the water quality system will remove sediments
and phosphorus prior to entering Lake Whatcom.
Project Status:
Design started in summer 2024 and will continue in 2025, with construction scheduled to take place in 2026.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $827,375
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 3
Strawberry Point/ Lake Whatcom Blvd Stormwater Improvements
Database ID No. 17-001
Construction Funding Year(s): 2028
Project Narrative:
This project will involve the installation of a water quality facility to treat approximately three acres of residential area.
Project elements may include bio-infiltration swales, filter vaults, media filter drains, and rain gardens in order to improve
water quality.
Project Status:
Design is anticipated in 2026 and construction scheduled to take place in 2028.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $1,170,000
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 4
The Firs Drainage Improvements
Database ID No. 25-003
Construction Funding Years : 2028
Project Narrative:
This project includes the installation of a stream bank stabilization and channel restoration to reduce erosion and
sediment from entering Lake Whatcom.
Project Status:
Design work will be initiated in 2026 and construction scheduled to take place in 2028.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $ 1,670,000
4
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division
Project Narrative
Sudden Valley Stormwater Improvements No. 2
Database ID No. 22-007
Construction Funding Years : 2029
Project Narrative:
2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Item No. 5
A water quality improvement project focused on removing sediment and treating phosphorus will be constructed within
the Sudden Valley development. The project will involve drainage system upgrades and retrofits to the existing
stormwater infrastructure. Details will be forthcoming as Whatcom County works with representatives of the Sudden
Valley Community Association to determine project needs.
Project Status:
Design is anticipated in 2027-2028 and construction scheduled to take place in 2029.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $960,000
5
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 6
Lake Whatcom Boulevard Water Quality Vault (EG-4)
Database ID No. 22-008
Construction Funding Years : 2030
Project Narrative:
This project involves the installation of a filter vault to improve water quality in the existing Lake Whatcom Boulevard
stormwater system. The new water quality treatment system will remove sediments and phosphorus from
approximately 3 acres of residential runoff prior to entering Lake Whatcom.
Project Status:
Design is anticipated in 2028-2029 and construction scheduled to take place in 2030.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $650,000
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division
Project Narrative
2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Item No. 7
Viewhaven Lane Water Quality & Conveyance Improvements
Database ID No. 20-009
Construction Funding Year(s): 2031
Project Narrative:
This project will improve conveyance and water quality near Viewhaven Lane and the Lake Whatcom Blvd intersection.
It will involve approximately 100 linear feet of conveyance improvements by replacing two undersized culverts and
regrading a ditch. The project will also install approximately 135 linear feet of water quality facility, which may include
bioinfiltration swales, filter vaults, media filter drains, and/or rain gardens.
Project Status:
Design is anticipated in 2029-2030 and construction scheduled to take place in 2031.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $655,000
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 8
Charel Terrace Stormwater Outfall Repair
Database ID No. 20-011
Construction Funding Years : 2027
Project Narrative:
The December 20, 2018 "Solstice Eve" windstorm caused damage to the stormwater outfall on Birch Point installed as
part of the Charel Terrace project in 2011. In March 2019 a "Major Disaster Declaration" that covered Whatcom County
for the December storm was granted. In December 2019, the Consolidated Resource Center approved the Washington
State Emergency Management Division's $110,887 request for Architectural & Engineering Services to assess the site
and develop conceptual design options. In 2020 Herrera Environmental Consultants completed a preliminary study that
assessed the outfall stabilization approaches to maintain a functional outfall. From this study, a temporary repair was
constructed in fall 2022 to secure the catch basin to the bluff and reposition the outfall tee. The permanent repair will be
constructed in the summer of 2027.
Project Status:
Design occurring in 2021-2025 and construction is scheduled to take place in 2027.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $692,000 (primarily FEMA funded)
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division
Project Narrative
2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Item No. 9
Semiahmoo Drive South & Outfall Improvements (BP-2, BP-5)
Database ID No. 18-009 & 18-010
Construction Funding Years : 2027
Project Narrative:
This project will improve the stormwater conveyance system at the south end of Semiahmoo Drive by upsizing the
cross culvert to reduce flooding and increase traffic safety, and reconstruct the outfall conveyance system to the Strait
of Georgia damaged during the November 2021 extreme rainfall event.
Project Status:
Design and permitting was initiated in 2021 and will continue into 2026. Construction is scheduled for 2027.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $1,595,000
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 10
Lora Lane Drainage & Tide Gate Modifications (TC1-2)
Database ID No. 18-008
Construction Funding Years : 2026
Project Narrative:
The purpose of this project is to replace the existing 48" corrugated metal culvert under Birch Bay Drive with an 8-ft wide
fish passable box culvert, replace the existing tide gate on the waterward side of Birch Bay Drive with a new side hinge
tide gate, and install shoreline armoring at the outfall area. This will be a collaborative project with Birch Bay Leisure Park.
Project Status:
Preliminary engineering design occurred in 2021. Permanent repair design occurred from 2024-2025 and construction is
anticipated for 2026.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $1,790,000
10
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 11
Birch Bay Village Drainage Improvements
Database ID No. 23-003
Construction Funding Years : 2027
Project Narrative:
This project will address drainage and flooding issues in Birch Bay Village in the vicinity of Salish Road and Kwan Lake.
It will involve installing or replacing 1,400 lineal feet of pipe, installing four new catch basins along Nootka Loop and
Salish Road and installing a new 36" diameter flap gate near Nootka Loop to reduce tidal backwatering. This is a
collaborative project with the Birch Bay Village Community Club (BBVCC). The preliminary design and permitting is
currently underway and being funded by BBVCC, and construction will likely be funded by BBWARM.
Project Status:
Design is underway and construction is scheduled to take place in 2027.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $300,000 (CN only)
11
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 12
Normar Place Stormwater Improvements (BP-1)
Database ID No. 19-004
Construction Funding Years : 2028
Project Narrative:
This project involves upsizing pipes, replacing catch basins and installing an outfall pipe over the bluff with an energy
dissipater at Normar Place to reduce roadway flooding, scour and sediment transport.
Project Status:
Design is anticipated in 2024-2026 and construction in 2028.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $1,400,000
12
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division
Project Narrative
Richmond Park Stormwater Improvements (SH-2)
Database ID No. 22-010
Construction Funding Years : 2029
Project Narrative:
2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Item No. 13
This project will address drainage concerns in Richmond Park by re-routing the large volume of water that currently
moves through the development down Shintaffer Road to an outfall in Birch Bay. It would involve replacing 1,640 feet of
ditch/culvert on Shintaffer Road with 36" diameter HDPE pipe, installing 13 Type 2 catch basins and building a new
outfall into Birch Bay.
Project Status:
Design will occur in 2027-2028 and construction is scheduled to take place in 2029.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $1,520,000
13
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 14
Roger's Slough Drainage Improvements
Database ID No. 23-002
Construction Funding Years : 2030
Project Narrative:
This project will address drainage and flooding issues in Birch Bay Village, Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point Loop Road.
It will involve replacing twin 30" diameter culverts that direct water under Birch Bay Drive into Roger's Slough with a
fish -passable concrete box culvert, installing 285 feet of pipe, regrading 500 feet of ditch, and installing a new Type 2
catch basin and overflow pipe near the mouth of Roger's Slough.
Project Status:
Design will occur in 2028-2029 and construction is scheduled to take place in 2030.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $1,800,000
14
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 15
Bay Ridge Estates Drainage Improvements
Database ID No. 23-004
Construction Funding Years : 2031
Project Narrative:
This project will address drainage and flooding issues in Bay Ridge Estates and along Selder Road. It will involve
installing or replacing 500 lineal feet of pipe, regrading 1,000-feet of ditch, and installing two new catch basins on
Selder Road and Birch Point Road.
Project Status:
Design will occur in 2029-2030 and construction is scheduled to take place in 2031.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $1,070,000
15
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 16
Wooldridge Avenue & Sunset Drive Stormwater Improvements (TC-2)
Database ID No. 13-007
Construction Funding Years : 2032
Project Narrative:
This project will improve the conveyance system along Wooldridge Avenue, Jackson Road and Sunset Drive by
upsizing pipes, installing or replacing catch basins and culverts, reestablishing roadside ditches, and installing a water
quality filter vault and treatment swale.
Project Status:
Design is anticipated in 2030-2031 and construction is scheduled to take place in 2032.
Total Estimated Project Cost: 1,220,000
IV
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division
Project Narrative
2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Item No. 17
Birch Point Road Stormwater & Outfall Improvements (BP-3 & BP-6)
Database ID No. 21-001
Construction Funding Years : 2032
Project Narrative:
A corrugated metal outfall pipe over a steep bluff on Birch Point collapsed due to erosional undermining. The driveway
culverts, ditches and upstream storm drain system leading to the outfall are undersized and cause flooding and erosion
during storm events. This project will involve upsizing culverts, reestablishing ditches and replacing and anchoring the
outfall pipe and construction of pipe -end energy dissipater.
Project Status:
Design will be initiated in 2030. Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2032.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $970,000
17
Whatcom County Public Works — Stormwater Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 18
Birch Bay Drive Storm Drain Replacement (CN-2)
Database ID No. 25-002
Construction Funding Years : 2033
Project Narrative:
This project will address drainage and flooding issues on the north side of Birch Bay Drive between Cedar Avenue and
Shintaffer Road. It will involve replacing over 900 lineal feet of undersized pipe and installing five new catch basins.
Project Status:
Design will occur in 2031-2032 and construction is scheduled to take place in 2033.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $465,000
18
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 19
Cougar Creek Early Action / Neevel Levee Bank Stabilization
Database ID No. 16-008
Construction Funding Years : 2025
Project Narrative:
The Neevel Levee provides varying levels of protection to a significant amount of agricultural land. Approximately 250 feet
of the levee running along Cougar Creek is over -steepened and experiencing sloughing of the riverward face. A
stabilization project incorporating large woody debris at the toe and reducing the slope of the riverward face is proposed
in the System -wide Improvement Framework (SWIF) to resolve the deficiency identified by the US Army Corps of
Engineers and keep the levee eligible for repair under the Public Law (PL) 84-99 Program. An early action project
developed through the Fioodplain Integrated Planning (FLIP) process includes replacement of the Cougar Creek flood
gate and culvert, and installation of large woody debris in the channel downstream.
Project Status:
Construction was finalized in October 2025 with funding through NRCS's EQIP program, and Floodplains by Design
(FbD). Final site planting will occur Spring 2026
Total Estimated Cost: $2,598,000
Expenditures to Date: $2,543,000
19
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 20
Acme Woody Revetment Repair
Database ID No. 23-005
Construction Funding Years : 2025
Project Narrative:
The project site is an approximately 1/4-mile long section of eroding bank located along the left bank of the South Fork
Nooksack River in the unincorporated community of Acme in Whatcom County. In 2009 and 2010 the Flood Control Zone
District constructed multiple log jams and woody revetments to discourage lateral erosion and stabilize the lower reach
of Landingstrip Creek for the purpose of enhancing critical habitat for ESA listed species and providing flood protection
to the Acme community and the SR 9 bridge. Flooding in November 2021 damaged the lower portion of the project,
destabilized the wood structures, and eroded the streambank. The proposed project will repair the woody revetment
along the new stream alignment with three Engineered Log Jams,
Project Status:
The design was completed by Herrera Environmental Consultants and Construction was completed in the Summer of
2025 by Strider Construction Company, Inc. with funding through FEMA and FCZD.
Total Estimated Cost: $967,000
Expenditures to Date: $948,800
20
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 21
Bertrand Creek Levee Stabilization
Database ID No. 16-005
Construction Funding Years): 2025
Project Narrative:
The Bertrand Creek right and left bank Levees are designed to overtop during larger floods, but provide protection to
agricultural land during the growing season. The left bank levee has a 250 foot long section where erosion is threatening
the levee prism. The levee will have to be repaired to remain eligible for rehabilitation through the US Army Corps of
Engineers Pub►ic Law (PL) 84-99 Levee Rehabilitation Program.
Project Status:
The project has been designed by the FCZD. Construction is in progress and anticipated to be complete in September
2025. Site planting will be completed in 2026.
Total Estimated Cost: $143,000
Expenditures to Date: $124,300
21
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 22
Polinder Levee Repair
Database ID No. 25-001
Construction Funding Year(s): 2026
Project Narrative:
Several deficiencies were identified by the US Army Corps of Engineers on the Polinder Levee. This project proposes
to rebuild about 190 feet of levee backslope to address the seepage. The project will also construct about 190 feet of
new levee to replace a substandard levee near a residential structure.
Project Status:
A conceptual design has been developed, detailed design will start at the end of 2025.
Total Estimated Cost: $222,000
Expenditures to Date: $0
22
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 23
Upper Hampton Levee Improvements
Database ID No. 16-006
Construction Funding Year(s): 2028
Project Narrative:
Several deficiencies were identified by the US Army Corps of Engineers on the Upper Hampton Levee. Improvements
to the levee geometry are identified for two locations and improvement to address seepage is proposed at a third
location.
Project Status:
A conceptual design has been developed as part of the System -wide Improvement Framework (SWIF) planning
process. Detailed design has not been initiated yet. However, we were able to complete a portion of the levee
backsloping work at one site using excess material generated at the 2021 Abbott and Lynden Levee Improvement
projects.
Total Estimated Cost: $61,000
Expenditures to Date: $6,000
23
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 24
Dahlberg Wetland Mitigation Site
Database ID No. 20-004
Construction Funding Years : 2027 - 2028
Project Narrative:
The FCZD purchased a property northeast of Ferndale as a mitigation site for future projects having wetland or riparian
impacts. The property contained a dilapidated farm house.
Project Status:
FCZD purchased the subject property and demolished the farm house in Fall of 2020. The FCZD installed a groundwater
monitoring network on the site to support developing a long-term restoration plan for the site. The wells collected data for
over two years. In 2025 the FCZD hired a consultant to develop concept designs optimizing the advanced mitigation
credit potential of the site. Final design is expected in 2026 with construction in 2027. This project is fully funded by FCZD.
Total Estimated Cost: $5,300,000
Expenditures to Date: $1,383,000
24
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 25
Abbott Levee Protection and Improvement Project
Database ID No. 16-007
Construction Funding Years: 2021 and 2029
Project Narrative:
The project is located along Abbott Road about 1.7 miles east of Hannegan Road. Erosion along the Nooksack River
removed a section of riprap that previously protected the land adjacent to the Abbott Levee and Abbott Road. Phase 1
of this project addressed the ongoing erosion in this location. The FCZD is also investigating possible road and levee
setback options to improve the upstream tie-in of the levee and address a deficiency identified by the US Army Corps of
Engineers to maintain the levee's eligibility in the PL 84-99 Levee Rehabilitation Program. This work will be
implemented as a second phase of the project.
Project Status:
Construction of Phase 1 was completed during Summer or 2021. The FZCD is working with the project consultant on
Phase 2. Phase 2 will include a reach assessment to provide the technical basis for developing alternatives for
upstream improvements. The FZCD will utilize this reach scale analysis to develop a capital project for Phase 2. Phase
2 construction is anticipated in 2028.
Total Estimated Cost: $2,998,000
Expenditures to Date: $1,103,000
25
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 26
Ferndale Levee Improvement Project
Database ID No. 07-104
Construction Funding Years : 2027 - 2030
Project Narrative:
Two levee segments, one sponsored by the City of Ferndale and one by the FCZD and Diking District #1 in the US Army
Corps of Engineer's Public Law (PL) 84-99 Levee Rehabilitation Program, provide protection to the three treatment
facilities along Ferndale Road. The US Army Corps of Engineers has identified several deficiencies along these two levee
segments, including a gap in which super sacks filled with sand have been placed. The 1999 Comprehensive Flood
Hazard Management Plan recommended improving these levees to provide 100-year protection to the City and the
treatment facilities. The System -wide Improvement Framework (SWIF) also includes this project to address the identified
levee deficiencies.
Project Status:
This project is currently in the design phase. A preferred alternative for the levee and road alignment has been selected
and the 60 percent design is complete, a 90 percent design level plan is anticipated in 2026, and final design for each
phase will be in 2027. Grant funding through the State's Floodplain's by Design program has been secured to complete
the design. Construction is anticipated to be phased with construction beginning in 2027 and lasting through 2030.
Total Estimated Construction Cost: $20,680,000
Expenditures to Date: $1,340,000
26
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 27
Hudson Road Bridge No. 132 Repair
Database ID No. 22-001
Construction Funding Years : 2024 and 2029
Project Narrative:
The project is located near the dead end of Hudson Rd in Acme, WA. The FCZD purchased the property at the end of this
road as a part of the Jones Creek Debris Flow Risk Reduction Project. The approaches to the bridge that serves the
property were damaged during the November 2021 flood events. The flood damaged was repaired in 2024 to restore
access. However, as a part of the Hydraulic Project Approval permit, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has required that
the crossing be replaced with a new bridge that is consistent with WDFW Water Crossing Design Guidelines within five
years. In 2025 the FCZD commenced a bridge replacement alternatives analysis that will evaluate the challenges
associated with Jones Creek debris flow hazards and neighboring habitat restoration efforts.
Project Status:
FCZD completed the design, permitting, and construction of the temporary repair in 2024. The FCZD has provided FEMA
with the damages and cost estimate to perform the temporary repair, and will continue to coordinate the full bridge
replacement. An alternatives analysis for the bridge replacement and fish -passage study began in 2025. The construction
for the bridge replacement is expected in 2029. The FCZD anticipates that FEMA and the State will fund 95% of the
project through the Public Disaster Assistance program. The Roads Department is contributing 2.5% funding for the
alternatives analysis; future cost -shares with Roads will depend on the selected alternative.
Total Estimated Cost: $6,000,000
Expenditures to Date: $335,000
27
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 28
South Fork Nooksack Fish Camp (Ts'eq) Integrated Project
Database ID No. 24-001
Construction Funding Years : 2027 - 2029
Project Narrative:
The South Fork Nooksack River Fish Camp (Ts'eq) Integrated Flood and Fish Project (Fish Camp Project) is a
collaboration of the Nooksack Indian Tribe Natural Resources Department (Tribe) and the FCZD to develop broadly -
supported, multi -beneficial solutions to reduce flood risk to the Acme community and restore habitat for ESA -listed early -
timed Chinook salmon and other salmonid species. The Project Area includes the SFNR mainstem channel and floodplain
habitats and extends from the end of Rothenbuhler Rd. to just downstream of the BNSF railway bridge. The State Route
(SR) 9 bridge crosses over the SFNR near RM 8.6 and separates the project area into upstream (Phase 2) and
downstream (Phase 1) sections. The Nooksack Tribe has received numerous grants for the project and is managing the
consultant design, permitting, and public outreach. The project will include fish habitat as well as flood hazard reduction
elements. New flood hazard reduction infrastructure proposed by the project may be constructed and maintained by the
FCZD.
The FCZD is providing the Tribe with pass -through Ecology Floodplain by Design Grant funding for the project. FCZD
expenditures include staff time.
Project Status:
The project is currently at conceptual design, final design is anticipated in 2026 and Construction may begin in 2027
Total Estimated Cost: $3,085,000 Expenditures to Date: $255,000
28
Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 29
Glacier -Gallup Creeks Alluvial Fan Restoration
Database ID No. 18-006
Construction Funding Year(s): 2023, 2030 and 2031
Project Narrative:
The Glacier Creek Levee on the left (west) bank of the creek was constructed in the 1960s to prevent overflows into
Gallup Creek and damage to State Route (SR) 542. Since construction, the levee has been subject to ongoing
damage. Constriction of the Glacier -Gallup channel migration zone (CMZ) has exacerbated aggradation upstream of
SR 542 and severely degraded fish habitat. WSDOT replaced the Gallup Creek bridge in 2010 and is working to
construct a new bridge over Glacier Creek and the alluvial fan between the two creeks. The FCZD is developing a
project in coordination with WSDOT and is evaluating the feasibility of full or partial removal of levees blocking natural
channel migration on the Glacier and Gallup Creeks alluvial fan and construction of a setback levee on Gallup Creek to
protect the Community of Glacier.
Project Status:
A feasibility study and alternatives analysis for evaluating levee removal and setback alternatives was initiated in late
2018. Preliminary design of the preferred alternative will be initiated once the preferred alternative is selected.
Construction of an interim project to address levee damage was completed in 2023. Construction of the levee removal
and setback is anticipated will be coordinated with Glacier Creek bridge replacement. Construction is anticipated in
2030 and 2031.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $17,000,000
Expenditures to Date: $1,710,000
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Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 30
Floodplain Acquisition
Database ID No. 07-002
Acquisition Funding Years : 2017- TBD
Project Narrative:
Reach -scale projects to reconfigure flood infrastructure are being evaluated through the integrated planning processes
that started with the System -wide Improvement Framework (SWIF) and has transitioned into the Floodplain Integrated
Planning (FLIP) process. The goal of this work is to reduce flood risk and expenditures and restore habitat and the
processes that form it.
Voluntary acquisition of lands is proposed to enable future levee reconfigurations to reduce flood risk and future levee
repairs, while improving habitat.
Project Status:
Acquisition of 2 floodplain properties and 11 development rights occurred in 2025 and structures on 19 properties were
demolished from 2024-2025. Acquisitions are targeted in areas that sustained significant damage in 2021, in areas
mapped as FEMA floodways and areas that will enable future flood hazard reduction projects
Total Estimated Cost: N/A
Expenditures to Date: NIA
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Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 31
Emergency/New Projects
Database ID No. 08-003
Construction Funding Years : 2026 - 2031
Project Narrative:
This item provides funding to address unanticipated projects resulting from new damage to flood control facilities.
Project Status:
Design and construction to occur as necessary.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $425,000/year
Expenditures to Date:
Due to the nature of this item, no map exists. Board of Supervisors review and prioritization will be sought at the
appropriate time.
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Whatcom County Public Works — River and Flood Division 2026-2031 Six -Year WRIP
Project Narrative Item No. 32
High Creek Sediment Trap
Database ID No. 22-005
Construction Funding Years : Annually
Project Narrative:
High Creek flooding damaged nearby homes and closed Mount Baker Highway in the mid-1990's. A legal settlement
resulting from that event directs Whatcom County to prepare a creek management plan. Sediment management in the
watershed including the 3400 feet of County owned right of way east of Kendall Creek is an important plan element along
with fish habitat mitigation. State permits for future maintenance dredging are dependent on consistency with the final
management plan. A management plan was developed and recommended the construction of two sediment traps, one
sited upstream of Mount Baker Highway to trap coarser material and one by the confluence with Kendall Creek to trap
finer material. The sediment traps were constructed in 2018. The project provides for the annual clean out of those
sediment traps.
Project Status:
The 2026 clean out is anticipated to be complete in September 2026 for a cost of $120,000. Total Estimated Cost is for
annual estimated cleanout costs funded by the FCZD.
Total Estimated Cost: approximately $120,000 annually
Expenditures to Date: --
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