(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that she has secured funding to boost construction work and community development in Kitsap in the Fiscal Year 2010 Senate Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill.
The funding will create jobs building new facilities for local community efforts, as well as helping to revitalize downtown Gig Harbor.
Naval Avenue Early Learning and Community Center, Bremerton: $750,000
This funding will be used for the expansion of an Early Learning center in Bremerton, WA.
Once complete, this facility will provide Head Start, Early Start and ECEAP programs in one of Bremerton’s lowest income neighborhoods where over 80% of school students qualify for free and reduced lunches.
“Investing in the Naval Avenue Early Learning and Community Center will create jobs immediately, and it will help Kitsap County children and community once it’s complete,” said Senator Patty Murray. “This investment will help Kitsap County children who need it most, and it will give the community a key educational resource.”
“P-3 early learning is essential for the development of children. It works and we can prove it with over seven years of statistics. KCR’s proposed Naval Avenue Early Learning Center will enhance our efforts to teach our children, and it will provide a model of best practices for educators throughout the country,” said Linda Sullivan-Dudzic, early learning specialist for the Bremerton School District.
The key spending bill passed through the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee today, and will now move to the full Appropriations Committee for consideration.
The following additional projects were included in the bill for the Kitsap County region:
United Way of Kitsap County Community Center Improvement Project, Bremerton: $500,000
This funding will be used to develop a facility for the new United Way Non-Profit Community Center in Bremerton, WA.
The United Way Non-Profit Community Center will house several local non-profit agencies and organizations that provide a range of services to low-income members of the community.
“Our aim is to have the greatest positive impact on the lives of those who need our help the most. This project is not just about a building, it is about bringing the community together and focusing our collective resources on creating measurable and lasting change,” said David Foote, Executive Director of the United Way of Kitsap County.
Downtown Gig Harbor Revitalization Project, Gig Harbor: $1,500,000
This funding will provide for the construction of a pedestrian bridge and a new intersection in order to smooth traffic flow and improve parking at a recreational and economic crossroads in Gig Harbor.
The construction of the pedestrian bridge and adjustment of the intersection 500 feet to the north will create local construction employment and provide safety enhancements for both pedestrians and vehicles, helping them to access local businesses and a community park.
“We very much appreciate Senator Murray’s support of this important project,” said Gig Harbor Mayor Chuck Hunter.
HOPE Center Project, Gig Harbor: $750,000
This funding would help to complete the construction of the Gig Harbor HOPE Center, a multi-use facility run by the local Boys and Girls Club to serve the needs of local at-risk school age youth.
This new facility will provide a host of services to local youth including computer and vocational training and after school programs and activities. Adult services at the site will also be provided, including adult literacy courses and job skills training and placement.
“The Gig Harbor Hope Center will fill a much needed void in our region. Senator Murray’s support of this funding request means that hundreds of youth and seniors will receive services and opportunities that they would not otherwise have access to,” said Derek Young, Gig Harbor City Councilman.
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