OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington state will soon be receiving a hefty chunk of change to combat the opioid crisis and Whatcom County will get some of the money.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that three opioid makers will pay the state $518 million to settle a lawsuit he filed in 2021.

Of the total amount won by Ferguson’s office, over $5.1 million will be coming to Whatcom County.

The money will be used across the state to fund substance abuse treatment programs, youth prevention services, and support for first responders.

Last year, Ferguson rejected a national settlement that would have paid Washington just $472 million.