Bellingham council moves toward public vote on coal terminal

Bellingham Herald. July 24, 2012.

The Bellingham City Council took a step yesterday towards a non-binding citizen advisory vote to gauge public support of the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal and subsequent shipment of coal by rail through the city.  On Monday, July 23rd, the council asked Mayor Linville and city legal staff to prepare a ballot measure for council review at their August 6th meeting.  Supporters of the advisory vote, such as Michael Lilliquist and Jack Weiss of the City Council, feel that it is imperative to understand the community’s stance on the issue before moving forward.  Union members had gathered in front of the City Hall prior to Monday’s meeting to support the jobs that the Gateway Pacific Terminal could generate and to discourage the City Council from taking a strong stance on requesting a programmatic EIS.  During an afternoon session, the council resolved to call for a study of cumulative impacts of the proposed terminal and rail traffic on the city.  It is important to note that it will be the County Council, not the City Council, that will ultimately be voting on whether to approve the Gateway Pacfic Terminal.

Read the full report here.