September 17, 2024

TACOMA, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded $13.5 million in federal funds to the Kitsap County Public Transportation Benefit Area Authority (Kitsap Transit) through the Fiscal Year 2024 Passenger Ferry Grant Program to support Kitsap Transit's Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry Passenger-Only Vessel Replacement project. In June of this year, Rep. Kilmer wrote to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of the project.

Made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this historic investment in transit is a part of the Biden-Harris administration's Investing in America agenda and aims to support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas, such as ferry vessels, terminals, and related infrastructure. This major investment will enable Kitsap Transit to buy a new ferry to replace an older vessel that operates between Kingston, WA on the Kitsap Peninsula and downtown Seattle.

"Having the federal government step up and invest in Kitsap Transit's efforts to expand ferry service for folks in our region has been a priority for me - and for our community," said Rep. Kilmer. "Thisinvestment from the Federal Transit Administration is big news because it will help Kitsap Transit improve access to jobs, schools, doctors, and other essential services, enabling great public access in getting people where they need to go. And it's also a major win for local taxpayers and ferry passengers because the costs of vessel replacement won't solely be borne by folks in our neck of the woods. That's a big deal. I'm thrilled to see this investment being made in our region."

"This funding allows us to buy a new boat to operate a route that has been running with a backup vessel - M/V Finest - that is older and has had to go out of service repeatedly for multiple issues," said Executive Director John Clauson. "In late August we had to suspend sailings on the route for five days because we didn't have a working spare vessel. This funding will give us the opportunity to reduce downtime and enhance service reliability."

"We appreciate Congressman Kilmer's support for federal funding that invests in public transit such as Kitsap Transit fast ferry service," said Kitsap Transit Board Chair and Bremerton Mayor, Greg Wheeler. "Kitsap Transit fast ferries remain an important link in the marine highway network, and this federal investment will continue to maintain our vessel fleet and provide essential transportation connections to the Puget Sound region for local residents."

"These federal dollars are so important to keep our ferry fleet operational," said Poulsbo Mayor, Becky Erickson. "New vessels are expensive and very necessary. Thank you, Congressman Kilmer, for supporting this vital transportation link"

FTA's Passenger Ferry Grant Program supports capital projects to establish new ferry service and repair and modernize ferry vessels, terminals, and facilities in urban areas. In 2023, the FTA awarded $50.1 million to seven projects in four states through the Passenger Ferry Grant Program. For more information about the FTA's Passenger Ferry Grant Program can be found here.

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