Proposed State Transportation Budget Will Benefit Whatcom County

On Tuesday, February 8, the chairs of the Washington State Senate and House Transportation Committees introduced “Move Ahead Washington,” a 16-year transportation investment package. The proposal includes funding for a variety transportation needs, with an emphasis on reducing emissions, providing safe bicycle and pedestrian routes, and improving transit options.

“The proposed Transportation Budget represents a substantial and smart investment in infrastructure, and I am pleased to see Whatcom County’s priorities on the project list,” said County Executive Satpal Sidhu. “These include investments in the Lummi Island ferry modernization project and the Kendall Trail. I commend the work of our legislators from the 42^nd and 40^th legislative districts for their tireless efforts in support of Whatcom County’s funding requests.”

The transportation package includes $5.3 million for the Lummi Island Ferry System Modernization and Preservation Project. These funds will be used for preconstruction work as well as construction work at the ferry terminals to prepare them for the new vessel.

The Kendall Trail (also known as State Route 547 Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Trail) is allocated $4.1 million in the proposed budget. The project will help create a safe biking and walking path adjacent to the state highway in Columbia Valley.

We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.