The Washington State Department of Ecology will open a public comment period from June 1 through July 1 for the Georgia-Pacific West (GP West) Chlor-Alkali cleanup project. Documents available for review include an amendment to the Consent Decree between Ecology and the Port and an updated Public Participation Plan.

The cleanup will be completed in phases, with initial work focused on soil removal and stabilization of elemental mercury contamination. These first cleanup activities are located within the planned Bellingham Shipping Terminal (BST) rail spur project area and will support future redevelopment. Ecology and RE Sources will also host a public walking tour and open house at the Portal Container Village on June 10.

The Port has been awarded $13.9 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding, along with $4.6 million in state matching funds, to expand broadband access in Whatcom County. The Port will partner with Astound Broadband to construct last-mile connections serving nearly 2,000 broadband-serviceable locations.

The project is part of $32.8 million in BEAD awards for Whatcom County, expected to serve nearly 5,700 new locations. Port staff will present additional project information and request Commission authorization to accept the grant funding by September.

The Port has completed the in-water portion of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal (BST) modernization project, restoring the terminal’s operational depth to 35 feet at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). The depth restoration was completed over two construction seasons while coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Lummi Nation to avoid conflicts with juvenile salmon migration and Tribal fishing periods.

Following review of post-dredging surveys and vessel analyses, the Puget Sound Pilots confirmed the restored depth, allowing BST to be advertised at its full operational depth. The project improves the terminal’s ability to accommodate maritime cargo operations and future business opportunities.

Bellingham International Airport (BLI) has secured several federal funding awards and program approvals supporting airport infrastructure and operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $9.3 million through Grant 73, which, together with a previously awarded grant, funds the airport’s runway rehabilitation project at a 95% federal share.

BLI was also selected to receive $946,000 through the Airport Terminals Program to replace the commercial terminal HVAC chiller, also covering 95% of project costs. And the airport was approved for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Law Enforcement Officer reimbursement program, helping offset security checkpoint staffing costs.

Nordholm Companies completed disassembly and removal of the second container crane at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal (BST) last week. The work used BST’s upgraded heavy-lift area, which allows the terminal to support regional maritime projects like crane positioning, offloading, and disassembly.

Three additional, smaller decommissioned cranes are scheduled to arrive by barge from the Port of Seattle on June 1. Because the cranes must be offloaded during high tide, some overnight activity is expected, and nearby residents and businesses may notice increased lighting and noise. Disassembly is expected to take approximately three months.

The City is advancing design work for the Meridian-Birchwood intersection to improve safety and traffic flow for freight and other users near two closely spaced intersections. The project would realign the Squalicum Way truck route with Birchwood Avenue at Meridian Street and replace the traffic signals with a multimodal roundabout.

Additional improvements are planned for bicyclists, pedestrians, and utilities. The project is currently at 60% design, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2028. The Port is coordinating with the City and will continue monitoring potential truck route detours, closures, and impacts to Port facilities and terminals.

The Port’s Economic Development Division and Career Connect NW hosted the 2nd Annual Blue Tech by the Bay on April 28 at the Fisherman’s Pavilion and Squalicum Boathouse. The event connected high school students from Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island, and Snohomish counties with hands-on marine and maritime career pathways.

Students explored vessel operations, marine construction and engineering, and marine science through employer-led activities, vessel tours, rescue demonstrations, underwater remotely operated vehicles, and dock walks. The event supports maritime workforce development by building student awareness, strengthening industry partnerships, and helping prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.

Rivian has opened its Bellingham Rivian Adventure Network charging station in the Granary Avenue parking lot, featuring eight 300kW chargers available to all electric vehicles.

Following a review of nighttime conditions, Rivian plans to add two additional lights, with designs currently under review by the Architectural Review Committee.

Allegiant has announced it will close its crew base at Bellingham International Airport (BLI) in November 2026. The airline has confirmed that all existing routes and flight service will continue.

This change reflects an internal operational decision by the airline, driven by broader economic and industry conditions. The airport will continue working with Allegiant while focusing on maintaining and expanding air service at BLI.