The Bellingham Business Journal

Construction is now underway for a long-awaited project near Bellingham International Airport. 

Chehalis, WA-based Pacific Cataract & Laser Institute recently received its building permit to begin construction on a 9,300-square-foot eye surgery center on 1.9 acres of land on Mitchell Way. 

“We welcome Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute to the community and believe their services will benefit people throughout our region and will add strength to the growing medical sector of our local economy,” said Port Commission president Scott Walker. “We appreciate their patience while we worked to resolve issues to provide water services to their property.” 

The company acquired a land lease from the Port of Bellingham in 2007 that extends over a 25-year period with two 15-year renewal periods. The project was hung up for several months while the Port and City of Bellingham negotiated over the extension of city services to the site. 

The facility is expected to be completed by February 2010 and will bring approximately 12 part- and full-time jobs.