The latest news from April Whatcom County Council meetings.
Disaster services and assistance
County council unanimously passed an authorization request during its April 25 regular meeting for Whatcom County to enter into a contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce that will provide nearly $4.2 million in support for essential community services and recovery assistance following the November 2021 flood disaster.
Funding will be used for a variety of emergency management projects. Emergency road gates and signs, flood warning sirens, automated sandbagging machines and other response support will be installed in preparation of future disasters. Staff also plans to acquire two all-weather drones and a generator to support the Nooksack Valley school district for use as a shelter.
The funding comes out of the state’s emergency rapid response grant program. More information can be found at bit.ly/3NvCmL6.
Homeless service center
The county will provide another $1.1 million to the Opportunity Council for total contract of $5.1 million to operate the Whatcom Homeless Service Center in 2023 after council authorized a contract amendment during its April 25 meeting.
The homeless service center, at 111 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham, provides housing services and resources and makes referrals to partner agencies for housing case management services.
Funding is provided through the state department of commerce’s consolidated homeless grant, local document recording fees and county American Rescue Plan Act funds. The county’s entire contract is $10.1 million for 2021-2023.
Election precinct boundaries
Council unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance during its April 11 regular meeting amending the county’s election precinct boundaries after multiple county agencies recently adjusted their boundaries, including the city of Blaine and Blaine school district.
To view the adopted precinct boundaries, visit bit.ly/3TSlak3.
Nooksack River floodwork
Council unanimously authorized a contract with the state department of commerce for nearly $2 million for the county’s Nooksack River flood management efforts during its April 11 meeting.
The grant funds will be used to purchase up to four Whatcom County properties that are subject to flooding and in areas where future flood infrastructure could be constructed. This is part of a larger effort to buy properties on floodplains in current or new Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps. Funds will also be used for a lower Nooksack River basin water storage study.
More information can be found at bit.ly/3nnRgsd.
Operation Stonegarden
Council authorized interlocal agreements with county law enforcement agencies for funding from the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden during its April 11 meeting.
Operation Stonegarden is a federal program that funds investments in joint efforts to secure U.S. borders. According to the memorandum, participating law enforcement agencies will provide an enhanced presence in border areas in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The city of Blaine received $7,600, and the city of Ferndale received $15,830, the most any one agency received.
Drayton Harbor advisory committee
Council unanimously voted 7-0 to appoint Melissa Bomben to the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee during its April 11 meeting.
According to her application, Bomben is a homeowner on Drayton Harbor and is the CEO of Platform Life Sciences, a biotechnology company in Vancouver.
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