WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Money is coming to Whatcom and Skagit Counties to remove barriers for fish passage.

The Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Board announced the recipients on Tuesday, July 15.

The Recreation and Conservation Office says that $30 million will be distributed to various counties in order to remove fish-blocking culverts and other barriers to salmon passage.

Bellingham will receive over $1.5 million to design fish passage improvements in Padden Creek. The culverts in question are at the mouth of the creek, where it meets Harris Avenue and the McKenzie Trail.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the city will be correcting barriers upstream of the site at 12th, 14th and 30th Streets beginning in June.

Those corrections closed portions of the Interurban Trail, leading to detours through side streets and Fairhaven Park.

Skagit County will also see funds from the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Board.

The Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group will receive over $3 million to replace a barrier under East Hickox Road.