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Committee accepts nearly $3 million in state grants for Bellingham Central Library interior renovation
Summary
The committee voted to forward two Department of Commerce grants (one for $999,100 and one for $1.95 million) to the full council to fund interior renovations at the Bellingham Central Library, covering children's and staff spaces, security updates and administrative mezzanine changes; construction is expected to start in late 2026 or January 2026 per staff estimates.
The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee voted to forward to the full City Council acceptance of two Washington State Department of Commerce grants for the Bellingham Central Library interior renovation: contract 26-96647-028 for $999,100 and contract 26-96647-001 for $1.95 million.
Carol Rothgar, assistant director of public works over internal services, told the committee the grants will fund renovations focused on the ground floor children's space, mezzanine administrative modifications and improvements to staff and security areas, including an updated help desk. She said the project team is finalizing base design, moving into design development, and anticipates construction documents this summer with bidding in the fall.
Staff estimated the work could begin in late 2026 or around January 2026 depending on the contracting timeline; the committee was told that library closures for patrons are likely during construction phases. Council member Lisa moved approval of both grant awards (agenda bills 24815 and 24816); the committee voted in favor and the chair said the items will be forwarded to the full City Council with a positive recommendation.
Committee members and staff also acknowledged Rep. Timmons and regional legislative representatives for support that helped secure the competitive local and community project grant funds.
The committee's vote forwards the grant-acceptance resolutions to the full council for final action and contracting.
