The Port of Bremerton has plans to build
a bigger marina. Some critics say there isn’t the demand and
that the design hasn’t proven itself able to block the wake the
ferries create.
The added slips has been part of the vision for downtown
redevelopment from the beginning, according to supporters.
I’m assuming most of us are not boaters, so the biggest differences
would be more people walking downtown and a different view over the
water.
Perhaps there are things you think a new marina adds. Or maybe you
have thoughts about the port’s plans. The biggest question asked in
the near future will be how to pay for it. The port could bond
against existing general funds, or could add a six-year tax that
would almost double the amount of property tax going to the port
while it’s paying off the debt.
I’ll be paying close attention to the port’s ongoing
discussion.
The Bremerton Beat If it's about Bremerton and happening now, it's on the Beat. Written by the Sun's Josh Farley.
There is an economic boon to the Port’s expanded marina. In an interview I read with Bill Mahan, the current Port Orchard marina generates a little over ~$1 million in local business revenue. These are dollars spent by people on board the vessels who come to Port Orchard to moor, visit friends, have friends visit, load up on supplies, have meals at local restaurants, watch movies, rent hotels, etc. It is expected that Bremerton’s expanded marina will generate over $2 million in local business revenue.
The Port of Bremerton is also working very closely with the City of Bremerton and the Kitsap County Housing Authority in purchasing and developing the uplands next to the expanded marina.