Emergency repairs begin on critically vulnerable section of Skagit Bay Dike
(STANWOOD)- Emergency repairs are now underway on a critically vulnerable, 5,000-foot section of the Skagit Bay Dike that was severely damaged by recent winter storms and ongoing coastal erosion.
The City of Stanwood joined local, tribal, county, state and federal partners on Thursday, July 30, 2026, to break ground on the first phase of the Skagit Bay Dike Project, also known as the Diking District 7 Fish Passage and Levee Improvements Project. Over the next several weeks, contractors will rebuild and reinforce the section of the dike that is in the most critical condition, according to a news release from the City of Stanwood.
The century-old levee separates Stanwood and approximately 1,800 acres of surrounding farmland from the Puget Sound. Homes, businesses, roads, schools, utilities, farmland and other essential infrastructure depend on the dike for protection.
“Today marks the beginning of repairs to the most vulnerable section of the Skagit Bay Dike, and this work would not be possible without the extraordinary support of our partners,” Mayor Sid Roberts said. “Many people have spent years working behind the scenes to bring us to this moment, and some have championed this project for more than a decade. From our local farmers and the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians to Snohomish County and our state and federal representatives, people came together to protect Stanwood, our farmland and the infrastructure our community depends on. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible.”
Emergency repairs are expected to cost approximately $1.75 million and are fully funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars awarded through Snohomish County.
“This is one of the most important pieces of flood protection infrastructure in our region. I’m glad Snohomish County was able to play a role by contributing $1.75 million toward the effort and am so grateful to all of the partners who worked together to make this happen,” shared Snohomish County Councilmember Nate Nehring.
Thursday’s groundbreaking featured remarks from Mayor Roberts, Councilmember Nehring, Washington State Representative Clyde Shavers and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, all longtime advocates and supporters of this project.
Emergency work marks the first phase of a larger effort to repair and reinforce the full four-mile structure. The City has secured more than $8 million through local, tribal, county, state and federal partnerships to complete the project over the next several years.
“It's a win, win for our communities, our tribes and for future generations,” said Washington State Representative Clyde Shavers.
Once complete, the entire levee will be widened and raised to create a stronger, more uniform structure. The project also includes installing modern tide gates to improve fish passage and restoring several acres of fish and wildlife habitat.
“Repairing and strengthening the Skagit Bay Dike will protect thousands of homes, businesses and neighbors during the next major flood, improve fish passage and restore acres of wildlife habitats,” said U.S. Representative Rick Larsen. “There is a lot of work to be done to build infrastructure that protects communities from flooding. Sections damaged in winter storms and by coastal erosion must be repaired before the next major storm, and moving forward on this project brings Stanwood closer to that goal. I will always fight for federal dollars to protect local communities, create jobs and build infrastructure that will last for the next 100 years.”
The Skagit Bay Dike improvements represent a shared commitment to public safety, the local economy, environmental stewardship and the long-term protection of the greater Stanwood community.
Project updates and details can be found at stanwoodwa.org/skagitbaydike.