Millions in federal funds slated for Bellingham, tribal salmon-recovery projects
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Nearly $4 million in federal money is heading toward Whatcom County to widen culverts where streams and creeks flow under roads and railroad tracks an effort aimed at helping salmon recovery by allowing fish easier access to spawning grounds.
Funds are coming from President Biden’s bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to a statement from 2nd District U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett.
“These long-term investments will improve fish passage to help ensure the survival of native salmon, protect Washington’s natural environment, promote a healthy Puget Sound and create good-paying jobs,” Lasen said in a statement.
Funds for Whatcom County were awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Larsen, whose district includes Whatcom County, is the lead Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Statewide efforts to boost water flow in salmon-bearing streams are part of a 2013 court ruling that said the state must protect salmon runs under treaties with its Indigenous people.
One such project is underway on Mount Baker Highway east of Bellingham.
Awards to local agencies include:
▪ $1.84 million to the city of Bellingham to help replace two culvert crossings and to conduct estuary restoration at the mouth of Squalicum Creek.
▪ $1.24 million to the Nooksack Indian Tribe to remove a culvert in Jones Creek under a BNSF Railway line in Acme, where the creek joins the south fork of the Nooksack River.
▪ $880,031 to Whatcom County for planning and design to replace 11 culverts.
Details and a timeline for construction and its effect on traffic were not immediately available, said Renee LaCroix, assistant director of the Bellingham Public Works Department’s Natural Resources Division.
“Our project at the mouth of Squalicum Creek is a partnership with the Port of Bellingham and BNSF Railway, and is part of the city’s commitment to improving fish passage at city road crossings,” LaCroix told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
Federal funds will pay for about 60% of the design work for the Squalicum Creek project, which will be a multi-year process, she said.
This story was originally published August 19, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
