Port of Bremerton outlines multimillion-dollar Port Orchard breakwater project, airport and industrial plans

Jim Rothlin, chief executive officer of the Port of Bremerton, told the Port Orchard City Council that the port is advancing several large infrastructure and economic-development projects, led by a $16,000,000 plan to replace the Port Orchard Marina breakwater and concurrent airport and industrial-park work.

Why it matters: The breakwater shields the Port Orchard Marina and its boat slips; port leaders told the council the structure is beyond its expected lifespan and that failure could shut the marina, which the port estimates brings roughly $16,000,000 in annual economic activity to the Port Orchard area. Federal, state and regional grants will cover most of the replacement cost, reducing the direct burden on the port.

Rothlin said the port’s mission “is about increasing the economic opportunity for all of Kitsap County by generating jobs, developing infrastructure, and improving the local quality of life.” He described three lines of business for the port—marinas, the airport and industrial parks—and summarized current and planned projects across each area.

On the Port Orchard breakwater, Rothlin and Marina Director James Weaver said the existing structure (about 1,500 linear feet) has been maintained for decades but is effectively past its expected life. The replacement project is estimated at $16,000,000, with about $9,400,000 awarded as a federal grant, $5,000,000 from the state, a $1,000,000 commitment from Kitsap Transit and the remainder to be covered by the port. Permit…