Martens Request Homeless Emergency, WTA gets funding for new buses, Department of Commerce plans to create safe parking in Ferndale, Downtown Sounds is back, Fireworks Safety, Second Temp Restraining order denied, WA Cares goes into effect, Artist Point opens tomorrow,
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, June 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: MARTENS REQUEST HOMELESS EMERGENCY
Bellingham City Council will consider a proposal by member Kristina Michele Martens to declare homelessness and lack of affordable housing a public health emergency.
The declaration would allow the council to temporarily halt evictions for tenants who spend more than 30% of their income on rent. The resolution will be reviewed during a council meeting on July 10th. Martens, who is running for mayor, says she hopes to raise awareness about the issue.
The city is grappling with a shortage of rental units and a low vacancy rate, which has contributed to skyrocketing rents. Martens also highlighted the problem of subpar rental properties that fail safety inspections.
Concerns about homelessness and rising rents have been expressed by other council members as well.
STORY: WTA GETS FUNDING FOR NEW BUSES
The Whatcom Transportation Authority is set to receive nearly $10 million in federal funding to acquire new diesel-electric hybrid buses.
The funding is part of the $1.7 billion dollar allocation from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, specifically designated for electric or low emission buses and other transit projects nationwide. The investments aim to improve public transportation infrastructure and promote environmentally friendly practices in the respective regions.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the new buses purchased by WTA will consume 24% less diesel fuel and emit approximately half the greenhouse gas emissions compared to the buses they will replace.
Skagit County will also receive $5 million to enhance its maintenance and administrative facilities, while Island County will get $7.5 million to construct a new transit center. All buses bought through this program will be manufactured in the United States using domestically sourced components.
STORY: DEPT OF COMMERCE PLANS ON CREATING SAFE PARKING IN FERNDALE
The Washington Department of Commerce is looking to expand services for unhoused and low-income residents in Ferndale and north Whatcom County.
The Commerce Department has released a Request for Proposals for qualified individuals and organizations to implement a safe parking program in Ferndale.
Safe Parking programs exist in other parts of Washington, as well as around the country. They offer a secure and clean off-street parking area for unhoused people living in their vehicles. They typically include amenities like bathrooms, water, and showers, and can also provide case management and related services to assist residents in finding stable housing.
The state legislature has allocated $400,000 from the general fund for grants to a community-based organization that will carry out these services. The funding is specifically designated for a grant to an organization located in Whatcom County and intended to benefit low-income residents in Ferndale and north Whatcom County during 2024.
STORY: DOWNTOWN SOUNDS IS BACK
Downtown Sounds is back for its 19th year starting Wednesday, July 12th.
This popular summer event organized by The Downtown Bellingham Partnership, will feature weekly live concerts, food trucks, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities.
This year’s music lineup includes bands like Five Alarm Funk, North Sound Soul, Outer Orbit, Smooth Kiwi, and Groovebot, and aims to celebrate the musical talent of Bellingham and the Pacific Northwest.
You can find Downtown Sounds on the corner of Bay, Prospect, and Holly Streets near the Spark Museum and Pickford Film Center. Opening acts start at 6 p.m.
STORY: FIREWORKS SAFETY
The Washington State Patrol is issuing its annual reminders regarding fireworks safety in advance of the Fourth of July weekend.
In the City of Bellingham, fireworks are banned unless you have a permit. However, in other areas of Whatcom County, fireworks are allowed during specific dates and times.
The state patrol reminds everyone that fireworks should only be purchased from legally licensed retailers, should only be set off fireworks outdoors and away from buildings, and that a water supply needs to be readily available nearby.
A comprehensive list of firework discharge times throughout the county can be found on the Whatcom County website.
STORY: SECOND TEMP RESTRAINING ORDER DENIED
A judge in Thurston County Superior Court has denied a request for a temporary restraining order to block the sale of assault weapons in the state of Washington.
According to court records, the lawsuit, Guardian Arms v. Inslee, was initially filed in Grant County but was later transferred to Thurston County. The lead plaintiff in the case is Guardian Arms, a gun store in Moses Lake, along with other gun stores and plaintiffs.
Judge Allyson Zipp is expected to issue a written order following the oral ruling. Earlier this month, a federal judge in Seattle also denied a request for a preliminary injunction in a separate case aimed at blocking the new law. Another case is currently pending in federal district court in Eastern Washington.
The assault weapons ban, known as HB 1240, prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of any assault weapon in Washington state. The legislation includes exceptions for licensed firearm manufacturers and dealers, allowing law enforcement agencies to continue purchasing from them. Inheritors of assault weapons are also exempted, and the law does not regulate possession for individuals who owned such weapons before the bill was signed. Violations of the law are considered gross misdemeanors, with potential penalties of up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Several other states, including Hawaii, California, New York, and the District of Columbia, have already passed general assault weapons bans.
STORY: WA CARES GOES INTO EFFECT
Workers will begin paying into the WA (“wah”) Cares Fund on this Saturday (7/1). The program will provide up to $36,500 in long-term care benefits starting in 2026. Here’s Eric Tegethoff with more on that story.
WA CARES AUDIO
ARTIST POINT OPENS TOMMORROW
Artist Point Trailhead opens tomorrow. Thank you to the maintenence crew who finished clearing the roads early this year, which is usually completed between July and October. A reminder to travellers to take the detour on Hannigan and Smith Roads to bypass the road closure on Mount Baker Highway.
WX: Sunny and Warm
Today’s weather is cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late leading into overnight clouds. Overnight lows will be in the mid-50s. Expect partly cloudy skies tomorrow– but no rain on the horizon for the foreseeable future.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Myles Weber. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
