For Immediate Release

July 28, 2005

BREMERTON TUNNEL PROJECT ASSURED
BY PASSAGE OF TRANSPORTATION BILL

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Final agreement today in Congress on the long-delayed transportation reauthorization bill has assured the federal funding for the tunnel project that will re-route inbound automobile traffic from Washington State ferries underneath Bremerton’s busiest downtown street, Rep. Norm Dicks said Thursday.

            The congressman said that the legislation contains a total of $16.8 million to fund the Bremerton project.  When added to $4 million that Rep. Dicks had previously inserted into appropriations bills for the tunnel project, he said, “I am confident that the funding necessary to complete this project should be largely in place."

            “Removing traffic congestion from the surface streets in downtown Bremerton will make a dramatic improvement in the retail and residential environment along Pacific Avenue and it will complement the robust redevelopment now taking place along the city’s waterfront and in the downtown area,” said Rep. Dicks.

            “More than any other single physical improvement, this tunnel will open up the central artery of our downtown tract, helping to create a more pedestrian-friendly area that will stimulate retail as well as residential development,” the congressman added.

Home >> Newsroom >> Press Releases