Bremerton, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that Kitsap Transit will receive $7,700,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program. The funding will help Kitsap Transit replace a passenger-only diesel-powered vessel on the Port Orchard and Annapolis routes with a new passenger-only, zero emission battery-electric ferry. The proposed battery-electric, passenger-only ferry vessel will increase passenger capacity to accommodate 150 passengers and aims to reduce emissions, reduce maintenance costs, and nearly eliminate engine noise. The new vessel, which does not yet have a name, is expected to be delivered in early 2026.
“Having the federal government step up and assist Kitsap Transit in its efforts to provide ferry service to folks in our region has been a priority for me – and for our community,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This is big news because it will help Kitsap Transit reduce emissions, improve existing services, and provide greater public access in getting people where they need to go. And it’s also big news for local taxpayers and ferry passengers because the costs of vessel replacement won’t be borne just by folks in our neck of the woods. These federal investments are winners for our planet and for our economy!”
“We are extremely thankful for this grant and for the FTA’s support of Kitsap Transit’s local ferry system,” said Kitsap Transit Executive Director John Clauson. “I’m also grateful for the support our grant application received from U.S Congressman Derek Kilmer and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, who have pushed for investments in clean transportation infrastructure.”
“This $7.7 million Passenger Ferry Grant will fully fund Kitsap Transit’s replacement of the Admiral Pete foot ferry. The new zero-emission, all-electric passenger ferry is critical to helping us reduce maritime emissions, and will increase passenger capacity to better serve more than 1,000 daily riders on the Port Orchard and Annapolis routes,” said Senator Cantwell. “As the population of Kitsap County continues to grow and ferry traffic increases throughout the region, it’s important that we invest in more efficient green, zero-emission transportation to connect residents to their families, jobs, and the greater Puget Sound.”
“Like so many others in our state, ferries are a part of my commute, so I know first-hand just how important it is that they are running on schedule and safely to get people where they need to go,” said Senator Murray. “That's why I work every year on the Appropriations Committee, and why I fought to include in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funding to not only fix our ferries, but also to electrify and modernize our ferry fleets, and upgrade our ports. Today's announcement is a big win for our environment and Washington state's ferry riders—and thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're going to be seeing more announcements like this one in the future that will mean shorter and more reliable commutes for people across Puget Sound."
On Feb. 8, 2022, Washington’s state legislative leaders introduced a $16 billion transportation package that would provide Kitsap Transit $6.5 million to support the all-electric ferry project.
“This FTA grant, coupled with funding from the state’s historic transportation package, will help us build and support a sustainable, environmentally friendly fleet,” Clauson said. “These two funding sources will support the construction of an all-electric local ferry and the installation of infrastructure necessary to charge the vessel.”
Washington state is home to the largest ferry system in the nation. Replacing this passenger-only diesel vessel with a new zero-emission battery-electric ferry will help Kitsap Transit align with federal goals to reduce transit emissions. In September 2021, Rep. Kilmer wrote to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of Kitsap Transit’s grant application.
The Admiral Pete, the foot-ferry currently serving the Port Orchard and Annapolis routes, was built in 1994, can only carry 120 passengers, and has resulted in costly maintenance needs as the vessel has aged. The Port Orchard and Annapolis routes serve more than 1,000 passengers daily, two of Kitsap Transit’s most efficient passenger-per-hour routes. In addition to replacing the aging ferry, the project will also help establish electric charging infrastructure at the Bremerton terminal. Fast, frequent, and reliable ferry service will provide local connections between Annapolis, Bremerton, and Port Orchard, where passengers can connect to Kitsap Transit bus service at Port Orchard and Annapolis, and connect to either fast-ferry service or Washington State Ferry service with connections to downtown Seattle from Bremerton.
The Passenger Ferry Grant Program funds capital projects that help eligible project sponsors support existing passenger ferry service, establish new ferry service, and upgrade ferry boats, terminals, and related facilities and equipment. The grants also help transit agencies and ferry companies offset the considerable cost of introducing new, climate-friendly propulsion technologies.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021, the Passenger Ferry Grant Program will not only continue but will also be complemented by two new passenger ferry competitive grant programs, including:
Up to $2 billion for Ferry Service for Rural Communities to improve access and mobility in areas where ferry service is a critical link for communities
Up to $500 million for an Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry pilot program to support the transition of passenger ferries to low- or zero-emission technologies, which will help fight the climate crisis
IN OTHER HEADLINES FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC.
Cantwell: With Aviation Jobs Program a Success, Now “Aviation is Starting to Hire” in Washington
Cantwell: “This took everything for us to do to save our competitive nature here in the Pacific Northwest, to keep complex, quality metal and plastic parts being assembled and made for aerospace here in Washington state.”
Washington Ports Can Compete for $450M to Improve Port Efficiency & Supply Chain Resiliency, Thanks to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Cantwell fought to secure historic $2.25B investment to upgrade port infrastructure, boost competitiveness and move goods faster
SEATTLE, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has opened the application process for $450 million in grant opportunities under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). Sen. Cantwell led the fight to secure an historic investment of $2.25 billion over five years for the program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Senator Murray Meets with Seattle Restaurant Owners in Continued Push for Federal Relief for Washington State Small Businesses
Senator Murray is currently pushing to secure additional funding for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which would cover all existing applications to the program that have not yet been met.
Senator Murray Celebrates the U.S. Women’s National Team’s Milestone Victory in Their Fight For Equal Pay
Senator Murray: “I continue to be inspired by the Women’s National Team for demanding equal pay for equal work and proving to the country that change is possible when you stand up for what’s right.”
STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
State Public Works Board accepting broadband construction loan applications through April 26.
Over $19.9 million available for projects providing broadband to unserved Washington communities.
Spokane’s Paul Trautman named chair of state Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
New chair will focus on understanding trends in Washington’s rental and homeownership markets and plans to work toward a cohesive picture of housing need, availability and affordability.
Commerce names Alison Beason and Carolyn Busch to industry sector director posts.
OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness appointed two new industry sector directors this month. Alison Beason joined the team in January as Director/Sector Lead for Life Science and Global Health for the life science and global health industry. Carolyn Busch was appointed to the new position of Director of Workforce Innovation and Industry Sector Program Coordinator.
Environmental penalties issued for the 4th quarter of 2021.
OLYMPIA –
The Washington Department of Ecology issued $327,700 in penalties of $1,000 or more from October through December 2021. This includes a $304,000 fine to Tiegs LLC for illegally diverting water from the Columbia River in Franklin County without a water right. A detailed list of the violations and resulting penalties is available in the table below.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Who-we-are/News/2022/Feb-23-4th-Quarter-penalty-summary
State announces full closure to coastal steelhead fishing to support conservation following indications of lower-than-expected returns.
Fish and Wildlife Commission heard briefings on European green crab and wildlife area planning at February meeting.
Inslee appoints two judges to King County Superior Court.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced two new appointments today to the King County Superior Court, Haydee Vargas and Jason Holloway. Vargas will replace Judge Dean Lum, who retired in January. Holloway will replace Judge Catherine Moore, who retires Feb. 25.
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-appoints-two-judges-king-county-superior-court
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:
As Security Council meets on Ukraine crisis, Russia announces start of ‘special military operation’.
“President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine, give peace a chance,” Secretary-General António Guterres urged Wednesday evening at the start of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, the body's second late night session this week.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112592
Baby formula marketing ‘pervasive, misleading and aggressive’ – UN report.
Parents and pregnant women globally are exposed to aggressive marketing for baby formula milk, according to a report launched jointly by two UN agencies on Tuesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112452
First Person : I don’t want to die in the body of a man.
A transgender woman in Haiti has said she does not want to die in a man's body, and hopes to leave her native country to fulfill her dream of transitioning from being a man to a woman. Semi Alisha Fermond works with transgender people at Kay Trans Ayiti (the Creole name for Trans House Haiti) and is an activist with the UNDP and UNAIDS-supported organization Community Action for the Integration of Vulnerable Haitians (ACIFVH).
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112312
UN condemns brutal killing of eight polio workers in Afghanistan.
The United Nations has condemned the killing of eight polio vaccination workers in four locations in northern Afghanistan on Thursday, the first such attacks since nationwide immunization campaigns resumed last November.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112612
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Briefing on Iraq--USUN
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Emergency Meeting on Ukraine in Response to Russia’s Attack on Ukraine--USUN
Sanctioning NS2AG, Matthias Warnig, and NS2AG’s Corporate Officers---US STATE DEPT.
https://www.state.gov/sanctioning-ns2ag-matthias-warnig-and-ns2ags-corporate-officers/
Russian Forces in Position to Attack Ukraine, Kirby Says--DOD
NATIONAL HEADLINES:
Education Department Announces $35 Million Competition to Improve Teacher Quality
Program Aims to Recruit, Prepare, Retain and Support Teachers with a Focus on Equity, Diversity, and Increasing the Educator Pipeline.
USDA Commits $215 Million to Enhance the American Food Supply Chain
Department Will Make Available $215 Million for Projects That Will Promote Competition and Increase Resiliency and Create Economic Opportunity in Rural America.
STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY MARCIA L. FUDGE ON BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP REMAINING LOWER THAN A DECADE AGO DESPITE THE U.S. HOMEOWNERSHIP RATE EXPERIENCING LARGEST ANNUAL INCREASE ON RECORD.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_22_029
Justice Department Sues to Block UnitedHealth Group’s Acquisition of Change Healthcare
Acquisition Would Allow Health Care Giant to Use Competitively Sensitive Claims Data of Hundreds of Millions of Americans to Reduce Competition and Innovation to the Detriment of Health Insurance Consumers--DOJ
Federal Reserve Board announces $20.4 million penalty against the National Bank of Pakistan, a foreign bank operating in the United States and headquartered in Pakistan, for anti-money laundering violations--THE FED
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/enforcement20220224a.htm
US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES APPRENTICESHIP BUILDING AMERICA PROGRAM, $113M IN AVAILABLE FUNDS TO STRENGTHEN, MODERNIZE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS--DEPT. OF LABOR
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20220223
The Year in Trade: Diving into the 2021 Numbers
2021 was a record year for trade in America. Both exports and imports saw the highest year-over-year growth rates ever as they bounced back from pandemic-related drops in 2020.-- US CHAMBER of COMMERCE.
FDA Approves Treatment for Wider Range of Patients with Heart Failure.
HEADLINES from other sources:
Remember When Biden Promised to 'Restore the World Order'?--PJ MEDIA
Failing to Understand Evil: Then and Now
Though there is no immediate “cure” for evil, free nations can control its spread.--Patriot Post
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/86487-failing-to-understand-evil-then-and-now-2022-02-24
The Bravery of the Ukrainian Defenders of Serpent Island Will Never Be Forgotten
The defenders of that small piece of Ukrainian earth might still carry off the prize of history.--American Spectator
Rittenhouse: 'Cowardly' Biden Must Apologize for 'Supremacist' Dig---News Max
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/kyle-rittenhouse-joe-biden/2022/02/25/id/1058581/
Did We Provoke Putin's War in Ukraine?--CNSNEWS
https://www.cnsnews.com/index.php/commentary/patrick-j-buchanan/did-we-provoke-putins-war-ukraine
LOCAL MEETINGS
Clallam County Meetings:
Clallam Commissioner work session for 2/28/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1304
* Agreement with Washington State Department of Ecology for furthering management of solid waste (2e)
Clallam County Commission Board meeting for 3/1/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7306
* Memorandum of Understanding with City of Forks for additional funding for their waste water treatment facility.
City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 3/1/22
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/11224/CC-Agenda-Packet-03022022
* “A” Street Substation Electrical Switchgear Upgrade – Contract Award
City of Sequim Council meeting for 2/28/22
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2555
City of Forks Council meeting for 2/28/22
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Agenda-20220228.pdf
Clallam County PUD meeting for 2/28/22
https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2-28-22-WEB-Packet.pdf
OMC Board meeting for 3/2/22
https://www.olympicmedical.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AGENDA-March-2-2022.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 2/28/22
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/00935344-9d4e-44fd-b6ea-9fb345043d1b
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: 1 John 4:9 (New International Version)
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
Weekly Bible Study: Are We Condemning Those Who Never Heard the Gospel?--by Matthew W. Bassford
http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/AreWeCondemningThoseWhoNeverHeardTheGospel.html
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
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The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
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