NEWS

(OLYMPIA)- The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has been awarded a $2,264,970 grant over the next three years by the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration. Washington State will match this funding, bringing the total to $4.5 million. These funds will help qualified healthcare providers in Washington pay off their student loans, according to a news release from WSAC. Healthcare providers who earn a degree through a graduate program are typically saddled with $100,000 in student loans. For those who earn a professional program degree, that figure jumps to $200,000. The Washington Health Corps (WHC), a loan-repayment program managed by WSAC, has seen     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)– A new project will preserve and extend the service life of a bridge that connects downtown Mount Vernon with West Mount Vernon. The Washington State Department of Transportation will repaint the State Route 536 Skagit River Bridge, also known as the West Mount Vernon Bridge and Division Street Bridge. The project will give the bridge its first new coat of paint in 36 years. To complete this work, the bridge will close to eastbound traffic throughout construction beginning as early as Thursday, June 11. Work is expected to finish in early 2027 before the start of the 2027 Skagit Tulip Festival in April.     (read more)

(BELLINGHAM)- As recently as 2007, the Georgia-Pacific West Pulp and Tissue Mill was the cornerstone of downtown Bellingham. Eighty years of paper manufacturing operations left the area contaminated, and the Washington Department of Ecology has been working with the Port of Bellingham to clean it up. Ecology invites you to comment on a legal document that makes sure the remaining contamination is addressed. The 74-acre Georgia-Pacific West cleanup site is divided into two separate areas, the Pulp and Tissue Mill Area and Chlor-Alkali Area, according to a news release from Ecology. The Pulp and Tissue Mill Area was cleaned up     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit County Planning Commission is looking to fill an open seat. The Planning Commission works with the Planning and Development Services Department and advises the Department and the Board of County Commissioners on proposed land use plans and regulations in unincorporated Skagit County. In 2026, the Planning Commission will be working on the siting of clean energy facilities, as well as other various code amendments regarding accessory dwelling units, flood damage prevention, and stormwater, according to a news release from the county. For more information about current Planning Commission work items, please visit: www.skagitcounty.net/Departments     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)— Enrollment is now open for summer and fall quarter classes at Skagit Valley College. Summer quarter begins July 7, and students can register for fall quarter classes throughout the summer as they plan for the academic year ahead. Fall quarter begins Sept. 22, according to a news release from SVC. Whether starting college for the first time, returning to complete a degree, or preparing for a new career, SVC offers affordable, high-quality educational opportunities across its four campuses and centers: Mount Vernon, Whidbey Island, San Juan Center, and the Marine Technology Center in Anacortes. Students can save money by studying     (read more)