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FAB flags Hanigan Road as alternative jail site; estimates roughly $2.5M savings
Summary
The county Finance & Facility Advisory Board identified Hanigan Road in Bellingham as an alternate site for a new jail, citing simpler permitting, better construction conditions and a two‑minute drive to the planned behavioral care campus; FAB and council timing remain in flux.
The Finance & Facility Advisory Board (FAB) informed the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee on April 2 that it has identified a potential alternative jail site on Hanigan Road in Bellingham and that switching sites could reduce estimated costs.
Marty told JPOP members that the Hanigan Road location offers easier construction and permitting than the previously considered LeBounty site and that planners estimate a roughly $2.5 million savings if the project shifts to Hanigan. He also noted the site's proximity to the planned behavioral care campus would simplify transportation between the two facilities.
The FAB is continuing analysis: members will review updated capacity and behavioral-health analyses and are scheduling additional special and regular meetings to set a budget target. Marty said the next FAB special meeting is scheduled for April 15; the FAB's recommendations will inform council decisions and the design-build team’s programming work.
Committee members were reminded the public can view FAB meetings online and that agendas and supporting analyses will be posted to the FAB website as they become available. No formal council decision has been made; Marty emphasized that timeline flexibility now allows more public input as budget scenarios and design decisions are refined.
Co-chairs said they will fold the FAB update into JPOP’s recommendations and present them to the IPRTF on April 20. The meeting concluded with members noting additional analyses — updated cost estimates, capacity analyses and permitting assessments — are expected before any final site selection or budget approvals.
