Briefly

By Alyssa Evans

Blaine City Council approves Vista Terrace project extension to Lincoln Lane

At a regular meeting on July 24, Blaine City Council voted to approve an extension to the Vista Terrace Electrical Conversion project to Lincoln Lane, adjacent to Allen Street.

The current project is an effort to expand utility services in the Vista Terrace neighborhood and includes converting the area’s power from Puget Sound Energy to Blaine Power.

In March 2017, the council awarded the project to Sail Electric Inc. for about half the city’s original estimate. The extended project will cost Sail Electric Inc. a total of $207,522.80.

Public hearing for six-year transportation program set for August 

Blaine City Council voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on a proposed additional project to the six-year Transportation Involvement Program (TIP).

The additional project would include improvements to 3rd and F streets near Edaleen Dairy, from G Street to Peace Portal Drive. The hearing will be held August 14 at 6 p.m. in the city’s chambers during the regular council meeting. If approved, the project would include upgrades to the area such as sidewalk and street improvements.

“It’s something that I think has been on our radar for a long time and we felt it was worthy to add at this time so we can take advantage of it,” said Bill Bullock, assistant public works director.

The TIP includes current and future transportation needs, as well as projects eligible for grant assistance. Projects must be included in the six-year plan for state funding consideration.

If the proposed project is approved, the updated document will go to the Whatcom Council of Governments for inclusion of the state’s transportation improvement program.