Bellingham, Wash. -- The Bellingham City Council will discuss possible new fees for boaters who use Lake Whatcom today. The fees would help pay for the City's aquatic invasive species program, which is expected to cost $227,000 this year. City Public Works staff are recommending a combination of $50 yearly permits and $20 day passes. The council will also discuss whether revenues from fees should pay for all or just part of the program. Lake Whatcom is the water source for the City of Bellingham. The boat inspection program took effect last year after invasive Asian clams were discovered in the lake. The City Council will discuss the fees in their afternoon committee meetings and during their regular meeting starting at 7 pm.
