NEWS
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit Board of County Commissioners has approved the proposed Comprehensive Settlement Agreement related to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing of Seattle City Light’s three-dam Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, according to a news release from the county. Working closely with tribal and agency partners, Skagit County has participated in the FERC relicensing negotiation process since 2019. Over the past several weeks, all participating Skagit Treaty Tribes, federal agencies, and state agencies have signed the Settlement Agreement. The Seattle City Council will consider approval of the Settlement Agreement over the coming weeks. If approved, the settlement (read more)
(PORTLAND, OR)- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announces that it will prepare additional analysis and alternatives for the Northwest Forest Plan amendment. This updated analysis will help advance national goals for restoration, fuels reduction, active management, and clarify timber opportunities that support forest health and local economies, according to a news release from the Forest Service. “The extensive public input we received was invaluable and underscored the need to explore more options and analysis to ensure the Northwest Forest Plan amendment is as robust as possible,” Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region, Jacque Buchanan (read more)
(BELLINGHAM)– Northbound Interstate 5 remains closed south of Bellingham, while work continues seven days a week to stabilize the slope and clear debris. There is no estimate when northbound I-5 will reopen, but the Washington State Department of Transportation and its contractor are working to open lanes as quickly as it is safe to do so. WSDOT will provide another update Tuesday, March 31, according to a news release from the agency. Northbound lanes have been closed since a slide Thursday night, March 19, sent more than 3,000 cubic yards of boulders, trees and other debris 60 to 80 feet down a slope toward I-5. An (read more)
(SEDRO-WOOLLEY)- The team of staff from the Port of Skagit planted 190 native trees and shrubs along new trails at the SWIFT Center, according to a news release from the port. Stepping away from their regular roles last Friday morning, more than a dozen Port of Skagit staff members donned rain gear and picked up shovels as part of a planting work party to restore some of the natural habitat along the trail system that runs through and around the Port’s SWIFT Center property. The plantings were added to the new Winfield and Quarry Trails at the SWIFT Center. (read more)
(SKAGIT 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, the Planning Commission will be working on siting for 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/PlanningAndPermit/communplan.htm The Planning Commission consists of nine members (three from each (read more)