Bellingham to receive 1.5 million to design fish passage improvements in Padden Creek

The Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Board announced a $30 million funding initiative aimed at improving fish passage in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Bellingham will receive over $1. 5 million to design enhancements for Padden Creek, specifically targeting culverts at the creek's mouth. Recent reports highlighted ongoing corrections to barriers upstream, which have temporarily closed portions of the Interurban Trail. Skagit County will also benefit from this initiative, with the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group receiving more than $3 million to replace a barrier under East Hickox Road.

These investments are crucial for enhancing salmon passage and supporting local ecosystems. The funding aims to address the challenges posed by culverts and other barriers that obstruct fish migration. This initiative also underscores the importance of community engagement in environmental restoration efforts. As these projects progress, they will contribute to the long-term health of fish populations in the region.