Ferndale Seeks Proposals for Grandview Sewer Expansion to Boost Local Development

The City of Ferndale, in partnership with the Port of Bellingham, has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire consulting firms. These firms will provide services such as infrastructure engineering, economic analysis, and feasibility studies. The main goal of the RFP is to analyze the potential extension of municipal sewer lines to the Grandview business park area. This analysis will evaluate the economic impacts and identify possible challenges of the project.

There is a need for more developable industrial and commercial land in Whatcom County, as well as more land for workforce housing. This shortage could hinder the region's growth and its ability to attract and retain businesses and skilled workers. The Grandview Road area, located near the Canadian border and the BNSF railway, is the last undeveloped area near a freeway north of Seattle that could help alleviate these issues.

The proposed project plans to extend sewer services north along Malloy Avenue and Portal Way to Grandview Road, crossing Interstate Five. This extension, potentially carried out in phases, is expected to span nearly 2.5 miles and cost about $15 million. Currently, the lack of city sewer services has left this area underdeveloped.

The economic study of the sewer extension will assess potential benefits like increased land development and business investment attractiveness. It will also look at environmental, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges that could hinder development. The findings will help provide strategic recommendations and identify funding sources to overcome any challenges. These insights will contribute to land use decisions and updates to the City’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan.

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