The rollercoaster ride takes another turn for supporters of an embattled aluminum smelter in Whatcom County. Ferndale's Alcoa Intalco smelter closed in 2020, taking hundreds of jobs with it. Since then there have been reports of new investors - only to bring dashed hopes of reopening the plant. Now comes news that could be the final nail in the facility's coffin. There is still a skeleton crew maintaining the shuttered smelter. Representatives of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers say insiders have told them Alcoa is quietly moving equipment off the property and preparing to tear the place down. The union hall sits quiet and empty. Pictures of a proud past cover the walls, but it's a past that feels more distant every day for IAMAW representative Brian Urban. "It just kind kicks you in the gut," he said. "It really was like a family out there. It was amazing. I miss that a lot." The smelter operated in Ferndale for more than half a century, providing 700 family-wage jobs and becoming part of the fabric of the working class town. In 2020, Alcoa announced it was closing the plant, but left the door cracked for it to reopen. A year later, two companies came forward with interest in starting new operations there, but both opportunities fell through. With word the smelter could now be demolished, the IAMAW sent a letter to Alcoa urging it keep the facility standing - citing "real progress" in finding a new smelter operator. "That process is ongoing and showing great results, but we do need a longer time for the feasibility assessment to be made," said Urban. "It looks good. That's why were trying to make the case to urge Alcoa not to start the demolition." READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.king5.com/article/money/business/alcoa-demolish-ferndale-smelter/281-3f5417d5-5cc3-4271-84ee-edc570d2f427