The Washington State legislature recently approved a $17 billion transportation package that includes over $18 million for a long-planned realignment of Highway 104, shifting it from Main Street to 1st Street in downtown Kingston. This will finally help to implement a solution for ferry traffic in Kingston. Representative Tarra Simmons and Senator Christine Rolfes were key advocates in helping this project move forward. In the meantime, the transportation budget also includes funding to pay for uniformed law enforcement officers to implement the boarding pass system and control traffic during busy summer weekends and holidays. The package will head to Governor Inslee's desk for his signature very soon.
Another important project for Kingston received grant money from the Rural Town Centers program of the Puget Sound Regional Council. The Kingston Holding Lanes / Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS) project was at the top of the list for funding. Once constructed, the project will eliminate the need for law enforcement traffic control. It will hold ferry traffic in a holding lane at Lindvog Road, releasing cars as space becomes available at the tollbooths and ferry holding lot.
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Learn about the the history and environment of Kingston May 14 during the Kingston Curiosity Walk, scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon, starting at the Village Green Community Center. Organized by Josh Farley of the Kitsap Sun and community volunteers, all ages are welcome. Maps for the two-mile route will be distributed for walkers to follow and collect stamps at several stops along the way where volunteers will share details about points of interest. Water will be available at the stops and local businesses will be open for other refreshments.
Volunteers are needed to help at the Kingston event. Please contact Jennifer Haro at jharo@co.kitsap.wa.us.
Similar events in North Kitsap will be held in Poulsbo June 18 and Suquamish October 8. Click on the flyer to go to a printable .pdf. Full details are available here.
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 The fourth public meeting to review the draft master plan for Kitsap County's Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park was held virtually March 7. Kitsap County, park stewards and a consultant team have worked for 18 months to develop the plan and the effort has included great involvement and input from the community and local tribes. The master plan considers conservation, recreation and restoration opportunities for the 3500-acre park over the next decade. To review the draft plan and provide comment, please visit, http://portgambleforestpark.com/.
Studies are underway at two Kitsap County parks at Point No Point and Norwegian Point in Hansville, exploring potential fish habitat restoration projects. The county has a few goals in exploring these projects: to improve habitat, honor historic recreational patterns and uses, solve long-term flooding issues, and address concerns of neighbors while acknowledging the regional significance this area has to offer the public at-large.
Mid-Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group is looking at restoring tidal flow and critical wildlife habitat to what is currently a freshwater marsh with a tide gate that cuts off saltwater. The project would also address stormwater and associated flooding problems impacting surrounding properties. Upcoming community meetings March 31, April 28 and May 26 will provide opportunities to learn more about the project and provide input. For more information and to register for the meetings, visit the project page here.
Down the road at Norwegian Point County Park, the Wild Fish Conservancy has a feasibility study underway, exploring the restoration and remeandering of Finn Creek, currently channeled in a ditch alongside Hansville Road then piped out to a tide gate to Puget Sound. The project would required acquisition of a neighboring property to add to the park, which the County is pursuing. For more information on the Norwegian Point project, visit the project webpage.
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Commissioner Gelder convened a group of stakeholders, including the City of Poulsbo, the Washington State Department of Transportation and Kitsap Transit to examine safety and congestion issues along the State Route 305/Bond Road (State Route 307)/State Route 104 corridor. The group is advocating for funds to study the area from the Poulsbo exit off Highway 3 to the outskirts of Kingston.
The study will identify safety and capacity improvement projects. Stay tuned for more information as this project develops.
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 Congressman Derek Kilmer (above center), County Commissioners and over 1,000 other people attended Military Appreciation Day at the Kitsap County Fairground March 5 that included a carnival and information booths for military personnel and their families. It was a great turn out and a lot of fun was had by all!
Funding from Kitsap County's 1/10th of 1 percent mental and behavioral health treatment sales tax was allocated for dementia support. Dementia is the #1 most feared disease for older adults in the United States, as well as the most costly to treat, due to prolonged disease progression and costs of care. Prior to COVID, dementia was the #3 cause of death for older adults in Washington state.
Kitsap County is currently the only county in Washington that distributes treatment sales tax to fund assistance for those dealing with dementia. The Kitsap County Aging and Long-Term Care Division of the Department of Human Services sponsors this program and offers the services of a dementia consultant free of charge. Denise Hughes, a registered nurse and geriatric mental health specialist, was hired to provide personalized education and strategies for family, friends, caretakers and professionals who support those with memory impairment.
To request an appointment with the dementia consultant or an education event, call the Aging and Long-Term Care Senior Information & Assistance Center at (360) 337-5700 or (800) 562-6418.
To find resources for dementia and many other programs and services, visit the Kitsap County Aging and Long-Term Services website here.
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The Kitsap County Developmental Disabilities Division provides resources and support for individuals, their families and caregivers to enhance the lives of adults and children with developmental disabilities, helping them to lead full, integrated and active lives. With an annual budget of about $3.6 million, approximately 320 adults and 200 children are served monthly through county-funded services.
Employment services are especially impactful. Dozens of local businesses, including Lowe’s, CHI Franciscan, Mod Pizza, and Fred Meyer, participate in an employment program that helps people with developmental disabilities find a job and earn wages to help them lead independent lives and contribute to the community. To learn more about the program, click here.
 Commissioner Gelder's Walk & Talk office hours continue next month in Indianola. All Walk & Talks begin at 9:30 a.m. at the starting points listed below. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your questions for the commissioner. Find the full 2022 schedule here.
- April 2 - Indianola General Store
- May 7 - Suquamish Tribal Dock
- June 4 - Kingston Village Green
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