The Port of Bremerton was recently awarded a $1.2 million grant by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board to replace the Port Orchard Marina's public breakwater. Built in 1974, the current breakwater is at the end of its service life and due to be replaced.
The $15.7 million project ensures that the community can continue to enjoy this valuable public amenity. Port employees continue to look for Federal, State, and local partnerships to close the funding gap for this vital community project.
“The Port of Bremerton is very thankful for this assistance from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office toward the rebuilding of this vital maritime breakwater infrastructure serving the Port Orchard community,” James Weaver, the Port’s Marine Facilities Director, said.
The investment in replacing the breakwater will ensure that the Port Orchard Marina continues to serve as an economic driver for Port Orchard and Kitsap County, contributing over $10 million to the local economy each year. The marina supports recreational, commercial, tribal fishing, and public use. The quarter-mile-long breakwater protects the Port Orchard Marina and provides 3,000 feet of moorage to guest boaters who come to visit the area.
“The state’s RCO program has been a great resource in supporting the Port’s investments in many marina projects that benefit our community,” stated Jim Rothlin, the Port of Bremerton CEO. “We are looking forward to kicking off this project!”
Design and engineering are underway, and construction of the breakwater will be completed by 2024.
