The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is awarding $4.2 million to the Skagit River System Cooperative, which includes the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, to improve fish passage and support Similk Estuary Chinook salmon, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen announced Tuesday. According to a press release, NOAA’s Community-Based Restoration Program provides technical assistance and funding to partners working on habitat restoration projects in coastal communities. Out of 350 proposals for this round of funding, only 16 projects were selected.
Watson Woolen Company invites the community to a sweater weather kick-off event this Saturday, featuring live Celtic music and lots of woolly goodness. Heliotrope will perform from 1:30 to 4 p.m. just outside the Pier 7 Mall building while attendees can enjoy cookies, browse the little shop and take home a free Onno t-shirt when purchasing a wool sweater.
If the state Utilities and Transportation Commission approves Puget Sound Energy’s proposal, customers in Western Washington may see significant increases in their electricity rates, possibly going up 16.75% in 2027, 3.76% in 2028 and 8.81% in 2029 to invest in gas and electric systems, as reported on Cascadia Daily News. The public can submit comments to the UTC at comment@utc.wa.gov, or attend the UTC’s in-person public hearing at 6 p.m. Sept. 29 in Lacey, or a virtual public hearing at 6 p.m. on Oct. 7.
Mavrik Marine is nearly done fabricating the hull of the first of eight high-speed ferries for the Golden Gate Highway and Transportation District in San Francisco and just began building a second ferry, according to a Facebook post published on the business’ account Tuesday. Construction began in April. Each three-deck boat will transport up to 500 passengers and 75 bicycles, and measure 165 feet long, 42 feet wide and 45 feet high.
Skagit County commissioners appointed Alex Lathum as county coroner Sept. 11 following the resignation of Hayley Thompson, whose elected term was set to end Dec. 31. Lathum was one of three candidates nominated by the Skagit County Democrats under the state process for filling a partisan elected-office vacancy. He will serve until the November general election results are certified, when the newly elected coroner will take office. Lathum most recently worked as a lead microbiologist, data consultant and management analyst for the Washington Public Health Laboratory and has also volunteered in the Skagit County Coroner’s Office.
Skagit County Public Works will host its annual clothing swap from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 29, at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 1410 Virginia St., Mount Vernon, in the A&B Building. All clothing is free, and participants do not need to donate to take items home. Those donating may bring up to two large bags of clean clothing; heavily stained items, underwear and socks will not be accepted. A separate donation-only day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Skagit County Transfer & Recycling Station, 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon. The event is intended to reduce textile waste and keep reusable clothing out of landfills.
