Recreation projects in Whatcom County get more than $1 million in grants

ANNA WALTERS - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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The aging Blaine boat launch will be getting a facelift next summer, thanks to a $104,995 grant from the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board.

That's one of six projects in Whatcom County to be funded using the grant money. The county received a little more than $1.1 million from the board, which directs funding for various improvement projects to trails, boating facilities and other natural areas.

At the Blaine launch, new concrete floats will replace the old ones, which are worn, cracked and have faulty connections.

Crews also will repair the turn-around approach to the launch, reseal the launch asphalt and install two lights to improve security in the area.

"We just want to maintain our assets so our community has a safe experience getting their boats out in the water," said Pam Taft, Blaine harbormaster.

Work on the project is set to begin next summer.

Here's a rundown of the other five county projects:

Renovating Lake Samish boat launch, $832,000. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife will replace the old boat ramp with a double-lane launch ramp, add a restroom in the area and install parking accessible to people with disabilities.

Planning for a fishing pier on Lake Terrell, $100,000. Fish and Wildlife will use this grant to design, acquire permits, and complete surveys for a new fishing pier.

Rebuilding the Excelsior campground in Mount Baker National Forest, $100,000. A hand pump water well, restrooms, more campsites and day-use shelters will be added to the campsite, which was built in the 1960s. The U.S. Forest Service will reconfigure the interior road and replace tables, fire rings, bulletin boards and parking barriers.

Maintaining the Salmon Ridge Ski Trails, $21,584. The Nooksack Nordic Ski Club will use this grant to groom and maintain 22 miles of ski trails in the Salmon Ridge trail system over the next two years.

Replacing the Heliotrope Trail Bridge, $15,000. The new bridge will be made of steel with cedar decking and hand rails.