01.29.04

Cantwell Brings Jobs to Bremerton

Senator Secures Federal Funding for Waterfront Revital

WASHINGTON, D.C . - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced today that the Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by the Senate includes federal funding to revitalize the Bremerton waterfront. The revitalization project is expected to create almost 1400 jobs to Kitsap County within four years.

"I am impressed with the success already achieved by the City of Bremerton, Kitsap County, local businesses and community leaders through their downtown renewal strategy," said Cantwell. "This is a model project that serves to inspire all urban communities seeking revitalization."

Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen, who serves on the board of the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority, Bremerton's official Community Renewal Agency, applauded Cantwell's efforts.

"Senator Cantwell has been a long-time advocate of Bremerton revitalization and she asked me several months ago how she could help," said Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen. "She has put a lot of effort into promoting our efforts in the US Senate – $250,000 will go a long way to continue the momentum that's the result of a lot of hard work by community, business, and government leaders to bring Kitsap County's gateway to Puget Sound."

A recent economic analysis of the plan by a local economist estimates that by the end of 2007, the sum of these projects will bring 669 direct workers to the city and 1,388 indirect jobs to Kitsap County.

"Senator Cantwell's help is a huge boost. Being nationally recognized for our continued success reaffirms our commitment to the projects now underway; projects that are attracting the interest of private investors from throughout the Puget Sound region," said Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman. "Soon a conference center, government center, waterfront condominiums, and new naval amenities will revitalize our waterfront. There's no doubt we're on our way."

The total public investment is estimated at $300 million, with the first two buildings – the government center and the convention center – scheduled to be completed in December 2004. Groundbreaking for the waterfront condominiums in 2004 will include public space and a link to a planned four-mile trail system.

The funds will go directly to Bremerton's Community Renewal Agency, the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority, specifically for its waterfront revitalization effort.