The 2026 Washington State legislative session concluded with over $40 million in funding and financial flexibility directed toward Whatcom County. The legislative outcome addresses flood recovery, behavioral health facilities, and local infrastructure.
Official state budget documents and legislative reports indicate the following 2026 allocations for Whatcom County:
- $13 million for flood recovery and resiliency projects
- $1 million for permitting and construction costs related to the Whatcom County Fire Protection District 1 emergency station relocation project
- $250,000 for the Northwest Youth Services PAD Shelter
A revised state statute allows Whatcom County to consider creating a ferry taxing district to support the Lummi Island ferry. The district could levy up to 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value countywide.
State legislators also supported a $21.3 million request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Individual Assistance funds for families impacted by the December floods.
The legislature also granted increased operational flexibility for the Whatcom County 23-hour crisis center. The county previously received $11.2 million for this facility. The new legislative flexibility allows Whatcom County to implement a sustainable financial model to operate the center.
The remaining balance of the $40+ million is not currently detailed in published state budget documents.
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