Preemptive Maintenance

Weather conditions in Whatcom County often destabilize natural systems of rivers, streams, and coastlines.

• Levees and bank protection projects are damaged.
• Flood damages and the cost of repairs to infrastructure can increase dramatically if left unchecked.
• Whatcom County Public Works Department administers the Flood Control Repair and Maintenance Program.
• Future flood damages are mitigated in a proactive and cost-effective manner.
• The photos at right demonstrate the bioengineered bank stabilization project on the Nooksack River near Ferndale.

Prioritizing Projects

 

• The program includes cost-sharing with local sponsors.
• Local sponsors are diking districts, sub-flood control zones, drainage districts, or property owners.
• Project applications are solicited once a year and are prioritized by subcommittee of the Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee.
• The subcommittee evaluates risks, benefits, and costs of a project.
• Those directly benefiting from the project must show evidence of efforts previously taken.