The Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) is in the early stages of designing an improved levee system south of downtown Ferndale. The proposed project will extend south of the intersection of Front Avenue and Cherry Street for approximately 1.05 miles. The current levee system does not provide reliable flood protection to critical infrastructure, including two water and one wastewater treatment plants, as well as roads, parks, residences, and farmland.

Initial work will include performing field surveys and evaluating alternatives. Field crews should be onsite during the fall of 2020 and winter of 2021. Reichhardt and Ebe Engineering has been selected as lead consultant for this project. A public meeting will be held in the future to discuss the alternatives analysis results.

The proposed improvements will: 

• Provide reliable flood protection.
• Improve habitat, stormwater treatment, and recreational opportunities. 

A Floodplains by Design grant through the Washington State Department of Ecology is providing the majority of the funding for this project.