Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) has requested $77,113,331 for 20 local projects in the Fiscal Year 2027 spending bills.
“This funding will create good-paying local jobs and improve infrastructure, public safety and education in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “I will keep working with local leaders to bring home federal money to support working families and strengthen our communities.”
Larsen submitted the requests to the House Appropriations Committee as the Committee begins work on legislation to fund the federal government. The spending bills will include earmark funding for community projects that local leaders and stakeholders identified as critical to their communities. Larsen secured more than $13.9 million for 15 Northwest Washington projects in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending packages.
Northwest Washington Community Project Funding Requests
Larsen requested the following federal funding to invest in Northwest Washington communities:
Improving Public Health and Safety
– Eastsound Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: The funding will expand and upgrade the district’s centralized wastewater treatment facility to ensure reliable wastewater treatment for residents, businesses and visitors in Eastsound and on Orcas Island. ($4,000,000)
– Island Health Obstetrics Surgical Expansion Project: The funding will add equipment for a new operating suite dedicated to obstetrics and upgrade the existing surgical suite at Island Hospital, improving the hospital’s maternal and neonatal health capabilities, especially for rural communities and military families. ($2,715,000)
– Safety Improvements on Broadway Ave: The funding will design, engineer and construct traffic and pedestrian safety improvements along Broadway Avenue in Everett to significantly reduce the risk of accidents. ($3,000,000)
– Island County Sheriff Radio Upgrade Project: The funding will upgrade their aging handheld and mobile radios, allowing the radios to be interoperable with other federal, state and local radio systems. ($1,459,405)
– Cordata Elementary School Security Improvements: The funding will expand the entrance of Cordata Elementary School to ensure that access is controlled and meets the district’s safety standards. ($300,000)
Investing in Job-Creating Infrastructure
– Orcas Landing Marine Facility Improvements: The funding will replace a structurally deficient public dock that community members rely on to conduct essential business and receive services on rural Orcas Island. ($4,000,000)
– Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research & Development Center: The funding will build a facility that will provide comprehensive Sustainable Aviation Fuel qualification, supporting the aviation and manufacturing sectors that are critical to Washington state’s economy. ($3,000,000)
– Blaine Harbor Fueling Station: The funding will design and construct an in-water fueling station at Blaine Harbor to serve commercial fishing, seafood processing, marine trades and recreational users. ($2,800,000)
Strengthening Local Emergency Response
– Slater Road Elevation Construction: The funding will elevate vulnerable sections of Slater Road, one of the only access routes serving the Lummi Indian Reservation and Lummi Island, and replace bridge infrastructure to protect against flooding risks. ($15,000,000)
– Whatcom Fire Station #81 Relocation out of the Floodplain: The funding will relocate the district’s primary fire station in Everson, out of a FEMA designated floodplain, strengthening regional disaster resilience and ensuring equitable access to reliable emergency services for rural and Tribal populations. ($11,032,429)
– Everson Dual-Use Emergency Shelter & Response Center: The funding will develop a dual-use emergency facility that will function as a disaster shelter, an emergency supply coordination hub and a meeting and operations space during floods and other emergencies. ($1,500,000)
– Whatcom Fire District #5 Expansion and Renovation: The funding will construct a 3,680 square foot addition to house new vehicles and equipment, enhance training capabilities, revamp space for medical and health care providers and provide dorm space for volunteers. ($1,451,247)
– Island County Emergency Power Resiliency: The funding will purchase and install new emergency generators and associated infrastructure for county government offices, preventing disruptions to essential county operations during power outages. ($1,031,250)
Investing in Schools and Education
– Mariner Library and Community Campus: The funding will build an expanded public library to provide educational opportunities, workforce training, job search assistance, small business support and access to high-speed internet and technology, serving more than 12,000 residents annually. ($10,000,000)
– Concrete High School Heating System Replacement: The funding will replace a failing oil-fired boiler system with modern electric heat pump boilers, upgraded electrical infrastructure and backup power generation, ensuring reliable heating and support emergency response and temporary sheltering capability for east Skagit County. ($4,500,000)
Protecting Local Environment and Water Access
– Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project: The funding will daylight Japanese Gulch Creek and create a nearshore estuary, revitalizing the stream corridor for salmon rearing and improving an informal walking path with a multiuse path, soft armored shoreline protection and pedestrian amenities. ($2,124,000)
– Channel Drive Waterline: The funding will replace a failing waterline in La Conner and provide clean drinking water for nearly 100 residents, as well as an adequate supply of water for fire protection needs. ($1,500,000)
– Whatcom Reservoir Replacement and Seismic Improvements: The funding will replace the existing Division 22-1 drinking water reservoir to improve the water supply’s seismic resiliency to protect the water and fire protection services for 1,000 people. ($700,000)
Investing in Critical Infrastructure
– Concrete Sauk Valley Road Bank Stabilization: The funding will repair an eroding riverbank that supports Concrete Sauk Valley Road in eastern Skagit County, allowing the road to reopen and avoid a 32-mile detour that delays the reliable movement of freight, add costs for businesses and motorists and significantly harms the response time of emergency services. ($5,000,000)
– Hub Building Restoration Project: The funding will restore a historic building for use as a public events center, creating a gathering space for community groups and the general public. ($2,000,000)
What Northwest Washington Community Leaders and Stakeholders Are Saying
On the Eastsound Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: “The Eastsound Sewer & Water District is grateful to Rick Larsen for his support of this critical investment in our community’s wastewater infrastructure. This funding would help advance Phase II of our treatment plant upgrades, improving reliability, expanding capacity, and enhancing nutrient removal to protect the waters of Puget Sound. For a small rural community like Eastsound, projects of this scale place a significant burden on local ratepayers. Federal support through Community Project Funding is essential to ensuring we can complete these necessary improvements while maintaining affordability for our residents. We appreciate Congressman Larsen’s continued commitment to clean water infrastructure and the long-term environmental health of Northwest Washington.” — Jason Bradshaw, Eastsound Sewer & Water District General Manager
On the Island Health Obstetrics Surgical Expansion Project: “This funding will expand timely access to essential surgical services for mothers, infants, and families, as well as life-saving cancer screenings—ensuring residents in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties, and servicemembers and their families at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, receive high-quality care when it matters most.” — Elise Cutter, Island Health CEO
On the Safety Improvements on Broadway Ave: “I am incredibly grateful for Congressman Larsen’s support of our $3 million request to construct traffic and pedestrian safety improvements. This will better connect our multimodal hub at Everett Station to Downtown Everett and is close to the future home of our major new public-private partnership, the Everett Outdoor Events Center. Safer connections between the transportation and our growing downtown helps create a more livable and walkable community for our residents, visitors and our local businesses.” — Cassie Franklin, Everett Mayor
On Cordata Elementary School Security Improvements: “We are grateful to Rep. Larsen for prioritizing the safety and security of students, staff and community members at Cordata Elementary School. Because this facility welcomes a variety of community programming throughout the school year, the benefits will also extend beyond the school day and into the Bellingham community.” — Greg Baker, Bellingham School District Superintendent
On Orcas Landing Marine Facility Improvements: “The support by Rep. Rick Larsen of the Orcas Landing Marine Facility improvements represents the potential for significant benefit to all segments of our community. This facility serves as one of the primary transportation hubs in San Juan County, benefiting businesses, commuters, and multiple essential service providers. This project will also deliver meaningful benefit to the marine ecosystem by modernizing the facility and removing legacy environmental hazards. I appreciate that Rep. Rick Larsen has chosen to make San Juan County a priority in his advocacy at the congressional level.” — Justin Paulsen, San Juan County Council Chair
“Marine facilities are especially critical infrastructure in San Juan County because they serve commuters, visitors, businesses, and other essential service providers. Working folks rely on this infrastructure for regular operations and travel, and this funding allows us to better serve not only Orcas residents, but the islands at large.” — Jessica Hudson, San Juan County Manager
“A $4 million investment at Orcas Landing reflects the need and significance of this facility to our community. Once again, Rep. Rick Larsen has shown his commitment to supporting the transportation needs of San Juan County by carrying our congressional funding request to Washington DC.” — Colin Huntemer, San Juan County Public Works Director
On the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research & Development Center: “Snohomish County is becoming a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and I am grateful to Representative Larsen for his support of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research and Development Center at Paine Field Airport. Our region’s strengths in aviation, manufacturing, clean energy, and skilled workforce will contribute to the success of the center and a transformed aviation industry. This is an exciting initiative that brings together partners in government, higher education, airlines, workforce development, agriculture and forestry, and other sectors. Together, we can advance sustainable aviation and care for the environment while strengthening career pathways and economic opportunity.” — Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive
On the Blaine Harbor Fueling Station: “From Blaine Harbor to Edmonds, Rick Larsen continues to be a steadfast champion for working waterfronts in Northwest Washington. The Blaine Harbor fueling project will strengthen critical marine trades infrastructure and support the creation of family-wage jobs. The Port of Bellingham is deeply grateful for Representative Larsen’s partnership and leadership.” — Tiffany DeSimone, Port of Bellingham Interim Executive Director
On the Slater Road Elevation Construction: “The Slater Road Elevation Project provides critical public safety, economic viability, and resiliency benefits to the Lummi Nation and the broader Whatcom County region. The project supports the federal trust responsibility by ensuring reliable access necessary for the Lummi Nation to carry out governmental operations and exercise treaty-reserved rights. We thank Congressman Larsen for his longstanding support of this project and the Lummi Nation.” — Tony Hillaire, Lummi Nation Chairman
On the Whatcom Fire Station #81 Relocation: “This project is about ensuring continuity of emergency response during disasters. In 2025, our crews were managing more than 40 active rescue incidents when floodwaters reached our station, forcing us to prepare for evacuation while still serving the community. Relocating Station 81 out of the floodplain addresses a repeated and well-documented risk, strengthens regional resilience, and protects critical infrastructure. We are deeply grateful to Rick Larsen for his leadership and support of this effort, which helps us move this critical project forward without placing additional financial burden on our flood-impacted community.” — Randy VanderHeiden, Whatcom County Fire District 1 Commissioner Chairperson
On the Everson Dual-Use Emergency Shelter & Response Center: “We sincerely thank Representative Larsen and his office for their support of the Everson Dual‑Use Emergency Coordination & Shelter Facility and for their continued commitment to our community. After experiencing recent flooding, we have seen firsthand how important it is to have a reliable, dedicated emergency operations and shelter facility in place. This project will strengthen our ability to coordinate response efforts, protect residents, and ensure Everson is prepared when a crisis occurs.” — John Perry, Everson Mayor
On the Whatcom Fire District #5 Expansion and Renovation: “These improvements will have a direct and lasting impact on nearly every aspect of life in Point Roberts. Such a project, while vitally important to our exclave community, cannot be accomplished without federal assistance. We are extremely grateful for Representative Larsen’s support, advocacy, and continued commitment to the community, citizens, and visitors we serve and protect. This project represents a meaningful and lasting return on federal investment in Point Roberts.” — Chief Carleton, Whatcom County Fire District No. 5
On the Island County Emergency Power Resiliency: “The Board of Island County Commissioners has been very concerned about potential failure to our Law and Justice electrical system and is very grateful for this funding which will protect our Department of Emergency Management, our Superior Court, our Permit Counters, our staff, and our jail inmates. Thank you, Congressman Larsen, for making our safety one of your priority projects.” — Island County Emergency Power Board of Commissioners
On the Mariner Library and Community Campus: “Thank you to Representative Rick Larsen for his continued advocacy for public libraries and for recognizing the significance of the Mariner Library and Community Campus as a community-driven, legacy library project. This federal investment, supported by state funding, a community-led capital campaign, and strong local partnerships, demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a central gathering space at the heart of Mariner where neighbors can connect, discover, and explore.” — Eric Howard, Sno-Isle Libraries Executive Director
On the Concrete High School Heating System Replacement: “Our Concrete High School oil boiler heating system is well beyond its lifespan and serves three buildings on our campus. We are one failed component away from losing heat entirely. The cost to replace the system and upgrade our infrastructure is nearly half of the Concrete School District’s annual budget—an expense our small, rural district cannot absorb. After years of searching for funding to replace it, we are grateful to Representative Larsen for submitting our project for consideration through the appropriations process.” — Carrie Crickmore, Concrete School District Superintendent
On the Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project: “The Japanese Gulch Creek Daylighting Project is a crucial opportunity to enhance local salmon populations by creating a new nearshore estuary and daylighting a stream which connects to valuable fish habitat. This project is not only the culmination of a decade of efforts to restore the salmon habitat of Japanese Gulch, but it will also improve public access to our shoreline and celebrate the rich history of Japanese Americans in Mukilteo.” — Joe Marine, Mukilteo Mayor
On the Channel Drive Waterline: “La Conner strives to provide customers with safe and high-quality drinking water. The pipes we use to deliver that water to the Channel Drive neighborhood are failing, and many of the residents are on a fixed income and unable to shoulder the cost of these important repairs. We are thankful that Rep. Larsen has devoted his time to helping us secure funding for this important project.” — Marna Hanneman, Mayor of La Conner
On Whatcom Reservoir Replacement and Seismic Improvements: “Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District would like to thank Representative Larsen for facilitating this Community Project Funding grant. The District is committed to proactively operating its water and sewer systems in a manner that ensures continuity of its essential services. This funding is an instrumental component for the replacement of an aging water reservoir with a new reservoir designed to meet current seismic standards and outfitted with the ShakeAlert earthquake warning system, all of which will contribute to a safer, more robust, reliable drinking water system for our community.” — Todd Citron, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners President
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