Crawford’s Proposal to Cut Water Projects Budget is Reckless

Whatcom County Democrats are concerned about County Councilman Sam Crawford’s proposal to eliminate funding for over 280 water related projects. These projects include implementing storm water treatment options on Lake Whatcom, and channel realignment on Jones Creek to prevent possible flooding.

The Jones Creek project is essential to protect the nearby elementary school and town of Acme. The Jones Creek regularly floods and this realignment is to insure that Acme and the elementary school are safe.

“This proposal by Crawford is reckless and shortsighted,” said Natalie McClendon, Whatcom County Democrats chair. “We are disappointed that Crawford feels a need to gamble with our safety. These projects protect clean drinking water and prevent natural disasters. An average of $9 a year is a reasonable price to pay to protect school kids and people in Whatcom County.”

Crawford is attempting to repeal a property tax amounting to 3 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value, an issue decided and settled by last years County Council. “I believe the Council’s time would be better spent finding solutions to problems than rehashing settled issues from previous years,” said McClendon. “We need positive solutions, not the gutting of essential efforts to protect our natural resources, people and property from disasters.”

Both Bill Knutzen and Kathy Kershner ran for County council and won on platforms of protecting Agricultural land. This fund protects critical agricultural land from natural disasters, and McClendon urges Knutzen and Kershner to follow through on their promises and reject this proposal.

More information on Crawford's proposal HERE