Dear Sudden Valley Community,
I know it has been frustrating not hearing any progress on the Sudden Valley Fire Station (Station 22), but unfortunately it has been a waiting game while over 400 pages of specifications, project plans, and bid package materials were being completed by our architect and their sub-contracted engineers in the last several months.
I am FINALLY able to report that this project is now posted for bidding through The Bellingham Herald, the Builder’s Exchange of Washington, and Western Construction Resources. The bid closing date is August 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM. As soon as possible after the closing date, a bid award will be made. Once that bid decision is made the contractor has 45 days to begin work and 180 days to substantially complete the work, as are standard timelines for public works projects of this size. Whatcom County has already reviewed and approved the project permit. Once a contractor is selected, the permit will be issued and work can begin. This does not provide immediate satisfaction of opening the fire station, but we now have a project timeline to follow.
I assure you that the Fire Authority has continued to move this project forward at every stage without delay, but as stated in previous updates, we are subject to the timelines of our selected professional services providers and contractors. The building industry is quite dynamic right now, and public works projects further complicate those complex conditions. I, as the Fire Chief, and our Board of Commissioners, continue to be committed to getting the fire station open as quickly as possible, while understanding that this restoration and renovation project is an important investment into the aging facility that will continue to serve the community for decades to come.
As always, I encourage any community member to please contact me with questions, comments, or criticisms on how we can improve our communications and services with the resources we have available.
Sincerely,
Mitch Nolze
Fire Chief
Office: (360) 676-8080