Dear friends and neighbors,
The House just released its proposal for the state’s supplemental Transportation Budget (think ferries, roads, bridges, and buses). I’m delighted to share that several key priorities for Kitsap made it into the budget, including $500,000 for the WSF 75 Commission I proposed in HB 2497 to evaluate funding sources and gather key data for federal funding we can use to fix our ferries.
Transportation budget highlights:
Washington State Ferries
- More than $80 million for ferry support bringing the ‘23-’25 biennial budget to over $1.3 billion for WSF funding, including:
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- $2.5 million in Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility improvements so our hardworking WSF crew has the advanced tools, resources, and training to maintain and preserve our fleet.
- $44 million in terminal preservation and improvements to equip Kingston ($18M), Bremerton ($8M), and Bainbridge ($18M) terminals with needed infrastructure upgrades so they can reliably serve passengers long into the future.
- $153 million for hybrid-electric vessel construction, vessel conversions, and terminal electrification.
More than $16M for safe, walkable, bikeable Kitsap communities
- $5 million for the Kitsap Transit passenger-only vessels and funding to bolster our Bremerton-Seattle passenger-only run.*
- $1.62 million for final design work on Warren Avenue Bridge for pedestrian and bike access. Warren Avenue Bridge SR 303 is a vital connection between Bremerton and the peninsula.*
- $5.9 million for View Ridge Elementary Safe Routes to Schools so kids and families can safely walk and bike to school each day including continuous sidewalks and curb ramps at intersections.*
$14M for Kitsap Infrastructure Upgrades:
- $2 million for Port of Bremerton electrification.*
- $8 million to Kitsap Transit for SR 305 Day Road Park and Ride improvements on Bainbridge and inductive charging infrastructure for smoother, clean energy rides for all of Kitsap.
- $4 million for Kitsap Transit design & shore power including design work for electric hydrofoil boats. *
$51.9M for Kitsap highways
- $4.9 million for SR 104 Realignment for Ferry Traffic to promote steady flow and reduce blockage of driveways and small business storefronts for our neighbors in Kingston. An additional $13 million is allocated in the next biennium to see this vital project through.
- $16 million for SR 3 Gorst Widening to reduce traffic jams and keep commuters moving.
- $31 million for SR 305 construction, including improvements at Suquamish Way Access Road.
*indicates that this project was full or partially funded through the Climate Commitment Act
You can help get funding for WSF and Kitsap!
The Senate also released their supplemental transportation, capital, and operating budgets this week. Now lawmakers from both chambers work to combine these proposals into a package that the Governor can sign.
Alongside my seatmates Rep. Tarra Simmons and Sen. Drew Hansen, we’re proud of the work we’ve done as your 23rd Legislative District delegation. We’ll keep advocating for Kitsap all the way to the finish line. You can help us make it happen.
Please share your support for WSF and Kitsap investments by following my Facebook page and using the hashtag #FixOurFerries.
Your voice and advocacy matter. Together, we’ll Fix our Ferries.
Ps: please join one of our upcoming Fix our Ferries townhalls to make your voice heard:
Bremerton: Saturday, March 9th 10am-noon at Norm Dicks Center
Bainbridge: Saturday, March 9th 1pm-3pm at Senior Community Center
Kingston: Saturday, March 16th 10am-noon at Village Green
Poulsbo: Saturday, March 16th 1-3pm at Poulsbo City Council