NEWS

(OLYMPIA)– Spring is arriving in the Northwest, and with it comes Washington’s deadline to remove studded tires. Drivers must remove studded tires by the end of the day on March 31 or risk a $137 fine. Automotive centers are expected to be busy leading up to the deadline, so the Washington State Department of Transportation encourages travelers to plan ahead to avoid last-minute delays and penalties. Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31. There are no individual exceptions or “out-of-state waivers” to these dates. Beginning April 1, Washington State Patrol may issue tickets to drivers still using studded tires.     (read more)

(STANWOOD)– One right lane of northbound Interstate 5 will close from 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 to 5 a.m. Thursday, April 2 near State Route 532/Stanwood-Bryant Road (milepost 213) near Stanwood. Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will perform road surface repairs during the lane reduction, according to a news release from WSDOT. People traveling in the area should expect delays.     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit Board of County Commissioners has approved the proposed Comprehensive Settlement Agreement related to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing of Seattle City Light’s three-dam Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, according to a news release from the county. Working closely with tribal and agency partners, Skagit County has participated in the FERC relicensing negotiation process since 2019. Over the past several weeks, all participating Skagit Treaty Tribes, federal agencies, and state agencies have signed the Settlement Agreement. The Seattle City Council will consider approval of the Settlement Agreement over the coming weeks. If approved, the settlement     (read more)

(PORTLAND, OR)- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announces that it will prepare additional analysis and alternatives for the Northwest Forest Plan amendment. This updated analysis will help advance national goals for restoration, fuels reduction, active management, and clarify timber opportunities that support forest health and local economies, according to a news release from the Forest Service. “The extensive public input we received was invaluable and underscored the need to explore more options and analysis to ensure the Northwest Forest Plan amendment is as robust as possible,” Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region, Jacque Buchanan     (read more)

(BELLINGHAM)– Northbound Interstate 5 remains closed south of Bellingham, while work continues seven days a week to stabilize the slope and clear debris. There is no estimate when northbound I-5 will reopen, but the Washington State Department of Transportation and its contractor are working to open lanes as quickly as it is safe to do so. WSDOT will provide another update Tuesday, March 31, according to a news release from the agency. Northbound lanes have been closed since a slide Thursday night, March 19, sent more than 3,000 cubic yards of boulders, trees and other debris 60 to 80 feet down a slope toward I-5. An     (read more)