Members of the public will have an opportunity to tell the Bellingham City Council which transportation projects it should pursue over the next six years, at a public hearing on Monday, May 22.
A draft version of the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) includes 17 road projects city officials intend to prioritize in 2024–29.
High priority is given to transportation improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists, and projects that encourage carbon-free options, including electric vehicles. These projects have a reliable funding source in the Bellingham Transportation Fund, supported by a sales tax and approved by Bellingham voters in 2020.
Other projects that are funded, according to the draft TIP, include safety improvements on James Street and a realignment of Squalicum Parkway and Birchwood Avenue at Meridian Street.
Some projects on the TIP list, including reconstruction of the Electric Avenue bridge at Lake Whatcom, and railroad quiet zones near Fairhaven and downtown, are not fully funded.
After hearing public input on May 22, the council will complete its annual update of Bellingham’s Six-Year TIP by July 1.
The council will hold the public hearing shortly after the 7 p.m. start of its regularly scheduled meeting Monday at City Hall, 210 Lottie St. Those who wish to testify online are asked to register in advance at cob.org/ccsignup. Remote participants may join the hearing at cob.org/cczoom.
