1
2
3
4
5
6
7
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
8
WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
9
10
11 ORDER PROVIDING FOR GENERAL ORDER 13-23
RELOCATION OF COURT
12
13
14
15
16 The Bellingham courthouse for the United States District Court for the Western District
17 of Washington located at 2014 C Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 sustained water damage due to
18 rain. The damage, and the threat of additional damage that might result from further rainfall, has
19 created a potential safety hazard to the public and to court staff. At this time, it is uncertain
20 when the Bellingham courthouse will be repaired such that court operations can continue at the
21 Bellingham courthouse. Accordingly, pursuant to subsection (a) of the Special Sessions Act, 28
22 U.S.C. § 141, the Court hereby FINDS and ORDERS:
23
24
-1
1 1. There is an immediate need to continue court operations at a location convenient to
2 the public and closer to a vast majority of defendants, witnesses, agents, and attorneys
3 who come to court. The Court thanks Skagit County for its generous offer to house
4 the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington.
5 2. To meet the need for continued court operations, special sessions of the district court
6 will be held at the Skagit County Community Justice Center, 201 Suzanne Lane,
7 Mount Vernon, Washington 98273.
8 3. Beginning January 2, 2024, and until further order of the Court, the United States
9 District Court for the Western District of Washington will operate and otherwise
10 conduct the special sessions in Mount Vernon for Central Violations Bureau
11 proceedings.
12 4. The Court’s electronic filing system will remain available and will be monitored for
13 emergency matters.
14
15 IT IS SO ORDERED.
16 Dated this 14th day of December, 2023.
17
18 A
David G. Estudillo
19 Chief United States District Judge
20
21
22
23
24
GENERAL ORDER 13-23 - 2
