Sumas is choosing how to cut its flood risk, and residents can weigh in Oct. 29
What happened: The 2021 flood put more than 3 feet of water on Sumas's main street and caused more than $150 million in damage, a County planning document says. The City of Sumas and Whatcom County are now choosing which fixes to pursue first.
Ideas include a wall around City Hall, the fire station and the community center.
Others: widening Johnson Creek so it carries more water, better storm drains, flood-proofing businesses, and steering new building to land outside the flood zone.
Federal disaster recovery money pays for the planning. The Lynden Tribune reports that raising homes would use separate federal money.
No cost for any single idea has been published.
The Tribune says the first phase runs through May 2027; the County document had planned December 2026.
What's next: The public meeting met Oct. 29 in Sumas. No outcome from it is on record.
See also the County's updated disaster plan.