NEWS
(OLYMPIA)- Each year, hundreds of clean water projects across the state receive funding from the Washington Department of Ecology's water quality grants and loans programs. Because many of these projects take years to complete, Ecology creates an Outcomes Report for each biennium to highlight some of this work, according to a news release from the agency. The 2023-2025 biennium outcomes report is now available as an interactive story map, highlighting water quality improvements we funded between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. During the 2023-2025 biennium, Ecology invested more than $626 million in 340 clean water projects. These projects help Washington communities prevent pollution, (read more)
(BELLINGHAM)- The right lane of northbound Interstate 5 from Samish Way to north of Iowa Street will close from 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 until 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30. The closure will allow Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews to safely replace concrete panels on this section of the roadway, according to a news release from WSDOT. People traveling in the area should plan for delays, use caution and do their part to keep the road crew safe by slowing down and removing distractions. (read more)
(CONCRETE)– Eastbound and westbound State Route 20/North Cascades Highway will close over the Grandy Creek Bridge (milepost 82) near Baker Lake from 6:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 30. Washington State Department of Transportation bridge maintenance crews will remove woody debris from around the bridge during this closure, according to a news release from the agency. Signed detours will guide people around the closure using Russell Road, Cape Horn Road and Lusk Road. Real-time travel information is available via the WSDOT mobile app, the WSDOT travel map or by signing up for WSDOT's email updates. (read more)
(OLYMPIA)— Secretary of State Steve Hobbs on Wednesday announced that Washington is joining a multi-state lawsuit seeking to quickly halt the U.S. Postal Service’s final rule on federal ballot mail before the 2026 midterms, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary of State. “It’s clear that the federal government is trying to take over our elections,” Secretary Hobbs said. “We are prepared to fight every step of the way to stop that from happening.” On Monday, the United States Supreme Court lifted one of two injunctions blocking implementation of the USPS rule and other (read more)
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- There is a call for Applications for the Skagit County Planning Commission, according to a news release from the county. 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 and 2027, the Planning Commission will focus on siting clean energy facilities, reviewing the annual docket of comprehensive plan, development code, and zoning map amendments, and updating the Critical Areas Ordinance. For more information about current Planning Commission work items, please visit: www.skagitcounty.net (read more)