Port Orchard officials detail $3.5 million Bay Street federal allocation and downtown waterfront beautification plans

Mayor reported that the recently passed federal budget includes roughly $3.5 million earmarked for Bay Street East construction, and staff will pursue a formal funding letter and follow-up on eligible expenditures. He said staff and finance will meet with federal program contacts to work through terms and next steps.

The mayor and staff also presented proposed downtown and waterfront beautification elements funded in part through local allocations: custom milled-sequoia benches and picnic tables for the observation deck and pads, new combined garbage-and-recycling cans with weather covers, streetscape flags, murals on Port property pending Port of Bremerton approval, and updated wayfinding with QR codes. Staff noted material and maintenance trade-offs: wood pieces require periodic sanding and marine varnish (recommended twice yearly), while steel/municipal options are lower maintenance but different in appearance.

Council members raised accessibility and maintenance concerns: one council member suggested adding backrests for aging users; another urged a durable finish that reduces twice-yearly maintenance and prevents carving or graffiti. Staff said custom sizes can be adjusted to fit pads and that public-works will confirm dimensions and ADA considerations. The mayor said he is optimistic about the Bay Street funding and will report back after staff meets with state/federal program managers.

Next steps include confirming measurements for the picnic pads and benches, finalizing artist contracts for murals (pending property owner approvals), procuring updated trash/recycle receptacles, and coordinating with the Port for any installations on Port property. Public-works will also pressure-wash sidewalks ahead of the May 16 waterfront event and coordinate placement of wayfinding and bike racks where appropriate.