Project Overview
This phased project will begin to alleviate flooding that regularly occurs along Iowa Street by repairing and replacing aging stormwater lines in the area. Phases 1 and 2 were complete in August 2026, which is expected to resolve flooding issues that typically occur in the area.
Funding
Phase 1 of the project is estimated to cost $470,000, from the City’s Stormwater Maintenance fund. Dawson Construction is the contractor for the Phase 1.
Background
Iowa Street has experienced flooding for many years because stormwater from several large drainage basins converges in this area before flowing to Whatcom Creek. During heavy rainfall, runoff from areas including Sunset, Alabama Hill, I-5, and surrounding neighborhoods funnels into this area. When the volume of water exceeds the capacity of the stormwater system or Whatcom Creek is already running high, water backs up (or “surcharges”) through the stormwater system and onto Iowa Street.
Flooding can be made worse by several factors occurring at the same time, including prolonged or intense rainfall, high creek levels, tides that limit downstream drainage, and aging stormwater infrastructure. An older stormwater pipe that runs along I-5 has deteriorated over time, with root intrusion and collapsed sections restricting its capacity to carry water. Because the pipe is located adjacent to the I-5 interchange, inspecting and replacing it is especially challenging. Because the stormwater lines cross both City and State property, the City and the Washington State Department of Transportation have been working collaboratively on a solution to help alleviate the flooding.
Contact
Brandon Brubaker, Maintenance Superintendent
(360) 778-7700
bsbrubaker@cob.org
Media inquiries: pwmedia@cob.org
General questions: askpw@cob.org
