New location in Ferndale for Whatcom County jail approved

Where exactly would a new jail be constructed?

On June 13, 2023, the Whatcom County Council voted to propose the siting of the new jail/BCC on LaBounty Drive near I-5 and the Slater Road exit.

The approved location is acreage owned by the County, and features 16 acres for potential construction, allowing enough space for a horizontal design and room to co-locate services on the property. It has an estimated cost of $137 million.

Two other county-owned sites were considered: 1) A vertical facility at Irongate with an estimated cost of $170 million, and 2) a vertical facility in downtown Bellingham with an estimated cost of $207 million.

The LaBounty property was the only one of the three that allowed for a horizontal design. A horizontal design’s advantages are considered to be: 1) Versatility in how “pods” (living units) are used over time, 2) Less expensive to build, 3) Easier monitoring, safer design, 4) Greater accessibility, safer and easier to move inmates through the facility, 5) Expandable if/when criteria are met.

When would construction begin?

If voters pass the levy in November, the County estimates construction would begin in 2026.

Image: Page 20 of County presentation to County Council