So the figures are back from the economic analysis done by the Port and City of Bellingham: the “New Whatcom” aka former GP site development will cost the City of Bellingham $200 million in streets, bridges, parks, trails, utilities, etc and will cost the Port of Bellingham $137 million in clean-up, demolition and construction.

While those costs are projected over 20 years, that is still a lot of money for a community the size of Bellingham (aprox 80,000). The final project will be magnificent - no doubt about it. A new marina, parks, trails, clean water, condos, shops and businesses….almost sounds like another urban village. But can Bellingham afford this new project? I guess time will tell.