Tide’s in: It’s not every day that you get to see water entering an estuary for the first time! Earlier this week, the new Little Squalicum Estuary was officially connected to Bellingham Bay and our BTV team was there to capture it on video. A new pedestrian footbridge over the estuary outlet is now intermittently open to the public as construction conditions allow. The site is still an active construction zone, so if you visit please follow all posted signs and stay on designated trails. These are important construction milestones in the City’s estuary project, designed to improve water quality, remove a fish passage barrier, restore essential coastal habitat, and add new trails and a pedestrian footbridge in Little Squalicum Park. Most construction is expected to be complete by early October 2023, with planting continuing through spring 2024. Learn more on our Little Squalicum Estuary page.
Trestle’s down: The old trestle at Whatcom Falls Park was safely taken down last week, a little easier and a little earlier than expected. It went something like this: the contractor secured the construction area and double-checked containment controls. After everything looked good, they tested their rigging with a slight tug, and the entire structure collapsed right onto itself in a neat and tidy pile. Removing the trestle took almost two years of planning and several weeks of putting controls in place, right down to a biologist safely transporting 135 fish (yes, we counted them!) downstream. We didn’t want to see this cherished landmark go, but it was beyond repair, posed a safety hazard to trail users, and its removal will help improve water quality in Whatcom Creek. See our Trestle Demolition page for more information.
Seeking traffic box artists: We’re looking for artists to create original artwork to be installed on 10 traffic boxes located in downtown Bellingham. The inclusion of artwork in public places reinforces our status as a regional arts destination, increases quality of life and attracts tourism and visitors to the area. Deadline for submissions is Noon October 13, 2023. Details on our Public Art Opportunities page.
Speaking of traffic: There are several transportation improvements starting across town to make Bellingham safer and more accessible for riders and walkers of all ages and abilities. At Lincoln and Maple, crews are working to install a new traffic light, new sidewalks, buffered bike lanes, and safer crossings. In the coming weeks, there will also be projects to add buffered bike lanes to Eldridge and Cornwall, add new pedestrian crossings across the city, and create safer routes to school near Parkview Elementary. While these projects will cause some temporary traffic congestion in these areas during construction, the improvements to our City’s roads and sidewalks create a safer and more connected community for everyone.
Bellingham in 2045: Bellingham residents – and those who visit, work, or go to school in the city – are invited to participate in two upcoming events to learn about and give input to The Bellingham Plan, which will guide growth and development in Bellingham for years to come. Join in a virtual information and discussion session on September 20 or an in-person open house on September 26. Share your vision for how the city should grow and discuss topics such as climate resilience, housing, recreation, economic vitality, transportation and equitable growth. The Bellingham Plan is a two-year project to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the policy document that guides development, capital investments, City programs, and other actions as we work toward a vision for Bellingham in 2045. Details for both events, surveys and more available on the Engage Bellingham project page for The Bellingham Plan.
Governor celebrates our electric vehicle investments: Washington Governor Jay Inslee stopped by this week to celebrate state and local investments supporting the shift from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs). Governor Inslee was in our area to visit several local renewable energy projects, including seeing our electric vehicle charging stations and learning about alternative fuel vehicles in the City’s fleet. We have 94 alternative fuel vehicles — 38 EVs, 14 plug-in hybrid EVs and 42 hybrids — representing 24% of all light-duty fleet vehicles. Using electric and hybrid vehicles in the City’s fleet and providing charging stations throughout Bellingham are key climate action strategies to achieve our goal of becoming fully carbon-free. Thank you for your visit, Governor Inslee! Photo below: Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood and Washington Governor Jay Inslee at an electric vehicle charging station in downtown Bellingham.
