Hello Central Kitsap!

I’m hoping this finds everyone in good spirits. I had a wonderful start to the summer season with the ribbon cutting of the new Silverdale Transit Center on Ridgetop Boulevard. Whether you are a student, worker, or visitor, this center provides a vital link to destinations across Kitsap - seven days a week!

I always enjoy summer in Kitsap County, and this year is special as we celebrate the 50th Whaling Days Festival. I look forward to helping kick things off in Old Town Silverdale on Friday, July 26th at 5:00 PM. See you there!

Warmly,
Katie

Update from Public Works on Newberry Hill Road Culvert Replacement 

For anyone who hasn't yet traveled part of Newberry Hill Road, a significant section of the road is closed through September 3. Work commenced last month to replace a deteriorated culvert on the west fork of Little Anderson Creek. The construction will reconnect a natural wildlife corridor and allow fish to travel upstream to northwest Newberry Hill Heritage Park.

We recognize that road closures can have an impact on local businesses and have an expedited schedule of 90 working days for completion. Please remember that businesses in the area remain open during construction and appreciate your support.

Please visit the Newberry Hill Road Culvert Replacement webpage to learn more and for project updates.

Major Upgrades Coming to Central Kitsap Treatment Plant 

Kitsap County Public Works Sewer Utility Division is proposing a project to create long-term solids improvements and development of liquid hauled waste facilities at the Central Kitsap Treatment Plant (CKTP) in Brownsville.

The Sewer Utility will hold a public meeting on the CKTP Liquid and Hauled Waste Upgrades Project from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024, at the Kitsap County Commissioner’s Chambers at 619 Division St., Port Orchard. The presentation will discuss the proposed project, alternatives, recommended improvements, potential rate impacts, environmental impacts, as well as technical and financial issues, and real estate transactions.

The public has an opportunity to submit comments or ask questions about project impacts beginning July 15 and concluding at 5:00 PM on August 29, 2024. Written comments can be provided in person at the public meeting or via the project website.

Shape the Future of Kitsap

The County’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) is the portion of local code which provides development standards for protecting the environment and minimizing risk to human safety.

Visit the CAO project website for information about the periodic review process, Preliminary Draft and supporting documents. The public comment period is open, and comments received by August 7, 2024, will be incorporated into a comment matrix for review by the Board.

All comments received up through the public Board Hearing of the Critical Areas Ordinance on August 26, 2024, will be considered. Comments may be submitted to codeupdates@kitsap.gov.

County Employees Making an Impact 

Congratulations and thanks to our award-winning County staff!

Paul Nettleton, Public Works, was named the 2024 Program Manager of the Year by the Washington State County Road Administration Board. 

Chuck Cuzzetto, Parks Department, was honored with the Washington Recreation and Park Association Emerging Professional Award. 

Molly Foster, Public Works, was honored by the International Right of Way Association as the Professional of the Year.

Their achievements inspire all of us to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the work we do for our community. 

Get Ready to Vote!

Ballots are in the mail for the August 6 Primary Election!

Get ready to vote by checking your voter registration, locating a place to securely drop your ballot, and finding out about the election by visiting our Elections website.

Cleaning up Silverdale

At the start of the year, the County Commissioners supported a pilot program in Silverdale with Sponsor-A-Can (SAC), a small non-profit organization started by a Silverdale resident wanting to serve his community.

The 6-month pilot officially launched in mid-March, and as of the halfway point 500 shopping carts had been collected, cleaned, and returned to the 31 different retailers in Silverdale.

In addition to cart collection, SAC has worked closely with the County's Solid Waste team. In addition to carts, SAC collected over 70 bags of trash and has been instrumental in helping manage trash in encampments and other areas around Silverdale. 

SAC's impact has gone above and beyond our expectations. The landscape around the retail core of Silverdale has been greatly improved, and it is our hope local retailers will help ensure the continuation of the Sponsor-A-Can program once the pilot ends.

Time to Ride the Trail!

Join Ride the Clear Creek Trail, a guided event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 20 to explore the beautiful environment that winds through Silverdale and its natural surroundings. People who use wheelchairs, those that are blind/low-vision, and others with disabilities are invited, along with their friends and family, to this free event!

Participants are encouraged to use Kitsap Transit, which will transport people who live within 3/4 of a mile from a bus stop. Advance reservations are required, and cost is $2 each way. Call Kitsap Transit at 360-479-7272 to make reservations.

For additional information on the two routes, parking, and transportation please check out this link. 

Join Me at Sunset on August 7

Thank you to the Greater Kitsap Chamber for another season of the Silverdale @ Sunset concert series. Gather with your community at Silverdale Waterfront Park to enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and perhaps a picnic, and settle in for an evening of music by the water. These free community events run from July 31 through August 28 every Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

The August 7 concert with Joel Gibson Jr. is being sponsored by the County Commissioner's office and Central Kitsap Community Council (CKCC). 

Since the CKCC regular business meeting is on the same night, their agenda will be limited. The meeting will run from 5 - 5:45 pm to allow travel time to the concert.