City of Bellingham Public Works and Natural Resources Committee
The Bellingham Public Works and Natural Resources Committee held a brief but productive 16-minute meeting Sunday afternoon, unanimously approving four significant infrastructure and service items totaling over $8.9 million in contracts and grants. The session's marquee item was awarding a $5.98 million contract to Earthwork Solutions LLC for the Old Town Redevelopment Project, which represents the largest single infrastructure investment discussed. The committee also approved a telecommunications franchise agreement with NFC Northwest LLC, a subsidiary arrangement involving Ziply Fiber that will expand broadband services to local businesses and residents. Two substantial state grants totaling nearly $3 million for the Bellingham Central Library's interior renovation project rounded out the agenda, providing crucial funding for youth spaces and safety improvements. All four items moved forward with unanimous 3-0 votes and positive recommendations to the full City Council for consideration at the evening session. The meeting demonstrated efficient committee work, with staff providing clear technical explanations and committee members asking focused questions about project timelines, funding sources, and implementation details. The Old Town project represents a significant public-private partnership milestone, combining city infrastructure investment with developer commitments to create a more pedestrian-friendly district. The library grants, secured through competitive state processes and legislative advocacy, will enable long-awaited facility improvements that have been in the city's capital budget planning for years.
**AB 24807 - Old Town Redevelopment Contract Award:** - Vote: 3-0 approval - Contract amount: $5,982,839.23 to Earthwork Solutions LLC - Staff recommendation: Award contract (aligned with Council action) - Project scope: Street improvements on C, D, E Streets from Holly to Bancroft, and Astor Street from C to F Street - Funding: ~$3M county grant/loan, remainder from local real estate tax and transportation fund - Timeline: 5-month project beginning end of February, completion in July 2026 **AB 24808 - NFC Northwest Fiber Franchise:** - Vote: 3-0 approval - Staff recommendation: Approve franchise (aligned with Council action) - Terms: 10-year franchise agreement, $100,000 bond requirement…
**Immediate Council Action (Evening Session):** All four items advance to full City Council with positive committee recommendations for final approval. **Old Town Construction:** Five-month construction project scheduled to begin end of February 2026, with July 2026 completion to accommodate first residential building occupancy. **Library Renovation Timeline:** Design development continues through summer 2026, construction documents completion, fall 2026 bidding process, three-month con…