The ballot measure, proposed by Kitsap Transit, would impose a sales tax increase to fund foot ferry service to Seattle from Port Orchard, Southworth, Bremerton and Kingston. The ballot measure, billed by Kitsap Transit officials as an economic development initiative, has been endorsed by various elected officials, including the Port Orchard City Council and the county commissioners.

Should the measure pass, the sales tax would be increased by 3 cents on every $10 purchase countywide. The money would fund 10 weekday round trips from Bremerton by the middle of the year, with Kingston runs added by the end of 2007, Port Orchard in 2009 and Southworth two years after that.

Kitsap Transit Executive Director Richard Hayes has said the proposal was an investment in local infrastructure that could lead to significant economic growth. However, some residents expressed concerns that the county lacked other infrastructure to support such growth.

The group opposing the measure says the tax increase is likely to be followed by other increases in the future, while a group supporting the proposition said if voters approve it, it would end the county’s reliance on the state transportation system for commuting to Seattle.