City of Bellingham to begin work on new park, long-awaited waterfront cleanup project

Bellingham is set to begin a major waterfront cleanup and park development project this fall, with IMCO General Construction as the contractor. The cleanup will focus on two contaminated industrial sites, removing approximately 295,000 cubic yards of municipal waste and 94,000 cubic yards of wood waste. The project, estimated at $19 million, will be funded equally by state grants and contributions from the city and the Port of Bellingham. Following the cleanup, the city will advance to the first phase of constructing Salish Landing Park at the current Cornwall Beach Park site. This new park will include a small parking lot, trails, and a boat launch, improving access to the waterfront.

The three-year timeline for the project reflects Bellingham's commitment to waterfront revitalization and environmental restoration. Local officials emphasize the importance of this initiative for public health and community recreation. The project aims to transform contaminated spaces into valuable community assets.