News

Whatcom County residents can soon learn more about new jail in Ferndale

Whatcom County residents can soon learn more about new jail in Ferndale

Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Walker


WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County residents will soon have a chance to learn more about the new jail and behavioral care center.

The team that’s designing and building the facilities is hosting a community engagement workshop in Ferndale next month.

They’ll give a progress update, answer questions from the public and listen to any priorities that people want to see included in the design and services of both buildings.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the county selected a mix of four local and national firms to design and build the new jail last month, including Bellingham-based RMC Architects and RAM Construction.

The county also recently opened a website where residents can keep track of progress on the new jail, as well as other objectives of the Justice Project.

Next month’s workshop will take place at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center in Ferndale on Nov. 20 from 6-8 p.m.

Construction of the new jail on LaBounty Drive will begin in 2026 and the county expects it to be finished by summer 2028 at the earliest.

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Entertainment, Music

Kendrick Lamar leads 2026 Grammy nominations, followed by Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Cirkut

Not like us? More like him: Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammy Award nominations, announced Friday.

1 day ago in Business, Government, Lifestyle, Local

Bellingham International Airport sees flight cancellations due to government shutdown

The Port of Bellingham is urging anyone flying out of BLI to check their flight status online before they head to the airport. 

2 days ago in Sports

Broncos’ defense shines in 10-7 squeaker over Raiders despite offensive and special teams struggles

The Denver Broncos aren't collecting many style points but as long as they keep racking up more points than their opponents on the scoreboard, they don't care how ugly it looks.

2 days ago in Sports

Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown arrested on attempted murder charge in Miami shooting

Former NFL star Antonio Brown has been arrested on an attempted murder charge stemming from a shooting after a celebrity boxing event in Miami, police confirmed Thursday.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Shaggy recounts his relief mission to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa and shares how you can help

After the devastating October storm that killed at least 75 people across the northern Caribbean, Shaggy, 57, mobilized relief immediately for Jamaica, shuttling supplies from Miami and hand delivering them to the worst-hit areas.

Bellingham Traffic