BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- A new report is saying rising sea levels could spell disaster for coastal developments here in Bellingham.

Dr. Robert Dalrymple from Johns Hopkins University who led the study says sea levels in our area could rise as much as two ft. in the next 90 years.

He says the rise could happen instantly if a big earthquake hits the northwest.



He says a big quake in the northwest would bring on a century of sea level rise all at once.

Most of the damage would occur at major developments along the west coast - such as airports, naval air stations, freeways, sports stadiums and housing developments - many of which are built just above the current high tide.

Washington, Oregon and several federal agencies joined California to sponsor the study.