“It’s always complicated to start with a new grant approach and I’m very impressed with you and your staff supporting and integrating the grant requests that Barrantes prepared. This is an amazing success and a credit not only to Barrantes’ savvy and connections, but to your staff. 4 for 4 batting average and 3 million bucks of new money is a big deal - Congratulations!” wrote Bremerton Councilman Mike Shepherd in an email to the mayor, council, Public Works Directors Phil Williams, Director of Parks Wyn Birkenthal, and Grant-Solutions as news broke to the public August 23.
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"Riding on air… Kvichak Marine Industries' 90 foot hovercraft ran thru Rich Passage August 17 demonstrating the vessel's potential as a passenger only fast ferry to Kitsap Transit officials. KMI states that the vessel, headed for MediVac service in the Aleutian Islands, can achieve speeds of 45 knots while producing minimal wakes." Photo: Luis Barrantes of Pacific International Engineering |
“I am thrilled with the results and the show of teamwork between the staff, public works & parks departments, their consultants, and glad I could assist with all of these projects. It proved good strategy to enter more than one program, plan early, and develop funding plans and commitments as we go,” said Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes of Grant-Solutions.
“It takes many hands, time, and ultimately support from local government, the community, and project sponsors to be successful. These efforts resulted in a 100% return and $3 million is something to crow about for a city the size of Bremerton!”
The IAC grant application is a long process with letters of intent for $3 million sent to IAC in March; all four proposals were submitted on April 24. Applicants have until July 3 to revise their requests and upload resolutions with project review presentations held in late July. The list will be approved by IAC at their meeting in Port Townsend September 21 & 22, sent to the Governor on November 1 and becomes part of the capital budget request. It is then up to the Legislature to approve a budget and funds will become available in 2007.
Senator Phil Rockefeller and House Representative Sherry Appleton reviewed the proposals with Barrantes last May. Both voiced enthusiasm and encouragement.
The WWRP Trails $2 million grant and local match of $6.7 million will be used in the Bremerton Boardwalk Trail - a 3,200-foot overwater extension of the existing Louis Mentor Boardwalk at the ferry terminal to Evergreen Park. This will be the first segment of the Kitsap County Mosquito Fleet Trail in Bremerton. The budget includes $1.3 million in planning, architectural/engineering, permits, and geotech surveys.
ALEA and WWRP-Local Parks grants of $800,000 will be used for Evergreen Park Shoreline Restoration and Expansion to restore the southeastern border of Smith Cove and west side of Port Washington Narrows currently cluttered with broken concrete, re-bar, dislodged rip-rap, a dilapidated pier, and old creosote pilings. Development of the Chevron property and the adjacent Plumber’s and Steamfitters Union property (acquired with LWCF grant this year) will expand the park by 1.56 acres.
The $201,000 LWCF grant will be used in Blueberry Park for a pedestrian pathway, parking, restrooms, shade tree grove, playground, sheltered picnic areas, bike racks, drinking fountain, and interpretive signs. Kitsap Master Gardeners and Bremerton Urban Gardeners (BUGS) are committed to long-term stewardship of community gardens and Kitsap Trees & Shoreline Association (KiTSA) will help maintain trees & plants. |
