USDOT awards over $7 million to Bellingham, Swinomish, Island County to improve road conditions
Nov 2, 2026, 7:50 AM
A line of cars are backed up on a dark, wet road. (Photo: rachwal via Envato)
(Photo: rachwal via Envato)
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Representative Rick Larsen announced Friday they have secured over $7 million to help road conditions in several key areas of Washington.
According to a press release from Rep. Larsen, $7.67 million will go to Bellingham, the Swinomish Tribe, and Island County area.
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Island County, the City of Bellingham and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community will get resources they need to prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths,” Rep. Larsen announced.
The $7.67 million will be broken down into $4,536,000 for Island County, $2,759,206 for Bellingham, and $375,000 for the Swinomish Tribe.
In Island County, the money will go to creating wider shoulders and creating “related corridor safety improvements” along SR 20 near Race Road and “approximately 0.5 mile north of Welcher Road,” according to Rep. Larsen.
“This investment by USDOT through SS4A will greatly strengthen a core piece of public infrastructure by bolstering safety along SR-20 and significantly improving the quality of life for Island County residents,” Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon announced.
The $2.75 million given to Bellingham will go toward “[improving] emergency vehicle progression and post-crash care operations.”
“When someone calls 911, every second matters,” Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund shared. “This investment will help our emergency responders move through Bellingham more quickly and safely, getting critical help to people when they need it most. By modernizing our traffic signals, we’re also laying the groundwork for faster, more reliable public transit in partnership with Whatcom Transportation Authority.”
The Swinomish Tribe says they will use the $375,000 to “update their Transportation Safety Action Plan,” while also helping them to “conduct demonstration activities.”
“Safe roads matter to every family in our community,” Swinomish Tribe Chairman Steve Edwards said in a press release. “This grant will help the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community plan and test practical improvements that make it safer for our members, elders, children, and neighbors to walk, bike, and drive.”
The $7.67 million was provided through the Safe Streets for All program.
