The Lynden and Sumas port of entry projects passed a key milestone today, with the federal government selecting the configurations of both expansions.
The U.S. General Services Administration selected the north-south-oriented expansion for the Lynden port expansion (Alternative 3), and the multi-story construction expansion option for Sumas (Alternative 4). The projects aim to reduce traffic at both ports and expand processing areas, especially for commercial vehicles.
Both projects will require the federal government to acquire land. In Lynden, that land will include farmland commercial facilities, a business and a residence.
In Sumas, the impact will be greater, with several businesses along Cherry Street required to sell to the federal government. The acquisition will include the American Legion Post 212 building, a gas station, a hotel/motel, a shipping business and more.
Sumas residents have voiced concerns about the project’s potential impact on Sumas’s tax base, economy and community, with so many businesses on the main street of the town needing to be acquired by the government.
GSA Public Affairs Officer Christi Chidester Votisek said the federal government expects to begin the real estate acquisition process in the first half of 2026.
The GSA presented multiple options for both expansions to the public, and solicited feedback last fall. Now, the federal agency will seek contractors by November to design and build the facilities.
Construction is expected to begin in September 2026, with completion expected by November 2028.
“The land ports of entry in Lynden and Sumas are not only crucial passageways for commercial vehicles, but also serve as a bridge between closely-tied American and Canadian communities,” said Sukhee Kang, regional administrator for GSA’s Northwest/Arctic Region in a news release. “Now that we have completed our environmental review, we can begin the work of designing new, expanded facilities that will make it faster, safer and easier for all who enter our country through Whatcom County.”
Votisek said no decisions have been made yet about construction plans. There are two options on the table:
- A concurrent plan would allow both ports to remain open during construction, but take longer to complete
- A sequential option in which the Lynden crossing would close temporarily
This article was updated at 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15 to add more information about the real estate acquisition process.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
