We are about to take another important step forward in the effort to revitalize the downtown Bremerton area by improving traffic circulation and pedestrian access along and across Pacific Avenue, just as many new building developments are happening there.

In a brief time, the Government Center, the Convention Center, the new Kitsap Credit Union headquarters and the development of in-town condominium homes will breathe new life into the downtown area. These changes will serve as a catalyst for further retail and residential development and enhance our overall business climate in Bremerton, as well as brighten up the waterfront entrance to our city.

At the same time, Senator Patty Murray and I have been working with Mayor Cary Bozeman and the City Government to find a way to re-channel inbound ferry traffic that clogs the downtown area several times each day at critical periods. Many of the cars and trucks departing the ferries are westbound, toward Highway 3 or other locations on the west of the downtown area, and there is clearly no need to channel hundreds of extra vehicles through Bremerton’s busiest business area. The resulting congestion causes delays, hurts business and it represents a hazard for the expected increase in pedestrian traffic that will accompany the new office development.

The solution is to route this westbound traffic beneath the downtown area, traversing Pacific Avenue underground by means of a tunnel that deposits these cars and trucks onto Burwell St., on the other side of the business district. This is the best way to address the specific problems we’re facing here in Bremerton, according to experts in the Washington State and federal transportation departments.

Such underground solutions have helped other communities eliminate gridlock, improve on-street vehicle speed, reduce air pollution, and improve pedestrian safety. One of the important goals of this project will be to make downtown Bremerton more pedestrian friendly, especially along Washington Street near the new Convention Center, Hotel and condominium homes.

Having helped other communities in our region solve transportation challenges by bringing the expertise of the federal government’s Department of Transportation, I am convinced it’s now Bremerton’s turn to call on the resources that have aided people in other cities. Senator Murray and I have already secured the first increment of federal funding for the Tunnel project — $6.2 million— and are working for approval of the second portion in the next fiscal year’s budget, which begins on October 1. The Tunnel will remain my highest transportation priority for federal funding in the years ahead until its completion.

I was encouraged by the substantial interest that was demonstrated on August 13th, when the Bremerton City Council conducted an extensive discussion of the matter in the Council Chambers, including a review of all of the possible alternatives that were evaluated by the consultant hired by the city using a portion of the federal funding. I am pleased that the Council clearly understood the opportunity that is being presented, and that the members voted by a margin of 8-to-1 to move forward with the design process.

There will be follow-up meetings in the community to seek public comment and to explain the intent and the purpose of the tunnel plan, as well as to review all of the surface, underground and “no-action” options before the Council must select its preferred alternative.

Downtown Bremerton is clearly on the move. We’ve reversed the trend, attracted new businesses and encouraged others to stay. For the first time in many years there is residential development occurring — a short walk to the new Government Center, to the Shipyard and to the ferry landing. We now have a great opportunity to make a real improvement in the quality of life in the center of our city with this thoughtfully planned new tunnel project.