Although it is understandable we need to improve our transportation systems and I support this, we must also keep the following factors in mind when going forward:
1) Improving upon telecommunications infrastructure is a must do given our intention to compete on a global level. Kitsap County exports as much as 40 percent of its labor force to metropolitan areas given substandard connectivity, and this causes deleterious financial impact on those local economies. Additional transportation considerations made without incorporating telecommunications into the equation is counterproductive to Kitsap’s goals and long-term success.
2) When undertaking necessary analysis and implementation of road construction to improve transportation, the installation of suitable conduit should be considered at the same time. It’s a two-for one and win-win, which obviates the need to dig or retrench in the future at higher cost.
3) The budget for implementing telecommunications infrastructure is dismal compared to that allotted for transportation. Many make the mistake of supporting what they believe is tangible and more important — additional roads, ferries and bridges. Telecommunications is an equally important tangible which must be added to this equation, and Department of Transportation dollars must be set aside for broadband demonstration projects.
4) It was recently reported (in The Sun) that 2,400 homeported sailors and about $80 million in annual payroll will be lost to Kitsap County once USS Rainier and USS Bridge are transferred to Military Sealift Command and USS Camden and USS Sacramento are decommissioned in the coming years. We need to provide a viable alternative to our constituents to prevent them from leaving the area also.
5) Washington State is prepared to spend billions of dollars on re-engineering our transportation network, but they should also recognize that the Internet Age will alter the commuting patterns of Washingtonians for decades to come. Teleworks is an excellent initiative, and an opportunity to increase the Kitsap bottom line as employers recognize tax breaks for hiring telecommuters. Kitsap’s level of involvement is limited by its competitive disadvantage regarding the infrastructure which would facilitate its ability to participate.
6) Kitsap PUD has undertaken the much needed task of laying a loop of fiber as a major highway, but we don’t have onramps or off ramps necessary to guarantee the last mile solution to every regional area business and residence.
Let’s support smart growth, not to mention keeping the money local. Who’s building the bridge, an out-of-state contractor? We must address these issues now before they become more costly and place smaller communities at further disadvantage. We have to make overall improvements to preserve our economy.
Doña L. Keating, President and CEO
Professional Options
Silverdale. |
