09.09.03

Cantwell Secures $250,000 for Bremerton Waterfront Revitalization Project

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell secured $250,000 in federal funding to assist the City of Bremerton in cleaning up and redeveloping the city's contaminated and underutilized downtown waterfront property.

"I am impressed with the success already achieved by the those working on the Bremerton waterfront project," said Cantwell. "It is my hope that these funds will clean up the contaminated soil and re-develop the property. This will help provide new economic opportunities in the Bremerton area."

Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Enderson stated, "Senator Cantwell has been a long-time advocate of Bremerton revitalization. Kitsap County is fortunate that we have a U.S. Senator who takes a personal interest in the economic health of our county. $250,000 will go a long way toward our continuing partnership among the city, county, community, and federal government."

Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman explained, "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. Soon a conference center, government center, marina expansion, and new naval amenities will dot our waterfront. There's no doubt we're on our way."

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

The city's revitalization project includes a variety of improvements including: a government center and the convention center, which are both scheduled to be completed in December 2004. Groundbreaking for waterfront condominiums in 2004 will include public space and a link to a planned four-mile trail system. The entire revitalization project will cost an estimated $300 million.

Cantwell secured the funds in the first part of the Senate spending process and will continue to work to ensure the funds remain in the final bill.