Pullout - 2013

C e l e b r a t i n g

100 Years o f

a c h i e v e m e n t

EARLY DAYS BREMERTON WATERFRONT

The Port of Bremerton had humble beginnings.

As the story has been passed down through generations, it is said that the city of Bremerton had inadvertently built portions of its wharf, an important commercial and transportation hub, over privately-owned tidelands. The property owner’s threatened lawsuit prompted a signature-gathering campaign by citizens to put the formation of a port district within the city of Bremerton’s boundaries on the ballot in the hopes of resolving the dispute.

Many changes within the Port District have transpired these 100 years and the Port is looking forward to recounting and celebrating its history with the public.

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Port of Bremerton Centennial Celebration

SEPTEMBER 27, 2013

Centennial message from Commissioner Larry Stokes On behalf occasion of the of my fellow Port’s Centennial Commissioners Anniversary.

Roger Zabinski It has been my and Axel sincere pleasure Strakeljahn, I to have served on take personal the Port board of pleasure in commissioners expressing our for three terms congratulations of office — a to the Port of total of over 17 Bremerton, its years. So I feel staff, both past particularly well Larry Stokes - Board President and present, and qualified to comto all the port ment on the Port’s accomplishconstituents on this special ments over the recent past …

close to 20 percent of the Port’s existence.

in downtown Bremerton as you will read herein.

My extended tenure as a port commissioner gives me a distinct advantage on commenting on the progress the Port has made. Back when I was first port commissioner, we spent much time and energy negotiating with the Bremer Trust for control of the Bremerton Waterfront for future development.

Also back then we first designed the Port Orchard Marina Park which now I am pleased to say has just completed a new extension for the pleasure of all of you who have visited.

That effort connected the Port right back to its beginning

I have noted over the years as a port commissioner and as a taxpayer, different priorities of the board of commissioners as they have evolved over the years.

Each commissioner working with his or her board over the years has made considerable progress in moving the Port further along towards success in building the economy and providing a better place to live here in the Port district; and it’s been my honor and pleasure to serve with each commission I have been associated with.

Let me be the first to extend my best wishes to the Port of Bremerton for continued success well into the next 100 years!

Port commissioners for the past 100 years Commissioner Date Paul Mehner 1913 J.H. Ross 1913 B.F. Harrison 1913 Inactive Years 1913-1943 J.D. Braman 1943 Sam Fitz 1943-57 B.A. Getschmann 1943-47 Harold Kemp 1943-60 George Francis 1947 Thomas Turner 1947-57 Rex Thompson 1957-60 Horace Burkes 1957-60 William Maddock 1961-66 Richard Schultheis 1961-68 James Skirving 1961-67 Ralph Erickson 1967-87

“Whitey” Domstad 1968-73 Herb Loop 1968-73 Margaret (Morgan) Atkinson 1974-77 diane Robinson 1974-75 Jack Mandeville 1975-79 Fred S. Schoneman 1977-79 Larry Stokes 1979-89 Louis Soriano 1980-85 Fred S. Schoneman 1986-97 Dick Feek 1988-99 Mary Ann Huntington 1990-2007 Cheryl Kincer 1998-2009 Bill Mahan 2000-2011 Larry Stokes 2008-present Roger Zabinski 2010-present Axel Strakeljahn 2012-present

Roger Zabinski - Dist 1

Axel Strakeljahn - Dist 3

Port of Bremerton Commissioner Districts Olympic College would like to congratulate the Port of Bremerton on 100 years of achievement and we look forward to continued collaborating throughout the next centennial.

1600 Chester Avenue | Bremerton, WA 98337-1699 360.792.6050 or 1.800.259.6718 www.olympic.edu

District 1 District 3

District 2

The Port of Bremerton, established in 1913 is the 4th oldest port district in Washington state and is the largest of 12 port districts in Kitsap County.

As a vehicle for better industrial and economic growth in Kitsap County… voters in 1956 elected to expand the Port’s boundaries to its current size. Also on the ballot, but not approved, was a name change to “Port of South Kitsap County-Bremerton”. Ports are special governmental units with authority and responsibility for economic development within their boundaries.

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Port of Bremerton Centennial Celebration

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Centennial message from Port CEO Tim Thomson It is indeed a very special privilege to be the Port Chief Executive Officer during the Port’s centennial anniversary.

I can only imagine, and wish I could personally thank, all the hundreds of port employees who have toiled over the last 100 years in their effort to bring to the Port of Bremerton the success it has achieved.

The Port’s centennial tag line lists Air, Marine, Industrial and Community.

These are our principle business enterprises. What we do at the Port benefits all constituents, whether they are one of the 1,000 employees of private busi-

nesses in Olympic View Business and Industrial Park, hangar an aircraft at Bremerton National Airport, moor a boat or stroll on the breakwater at Port Orchard or Bremerton Marinas or experience the great quality of life here in our

district by enjoying a community event that we sponsor.

You are invited to read the associated stories contained herein to learn and appreciate how the Port has evolved over the last 100 years in meeting its mission to plan, develop, maintain, manage and promote industrial, maritime and aviation facilities for the purpose of inducing private capital investment that creates economic development and jobs.

“Taking Care of Business” is the Port of Bremerton’s motto and we live by it every day.

Port Directors since 1968 DIRECTOR Date Capt. Harry Lieser 1968-1970 Capt. Edgar R. Meyer 1970-1980 Herb Effron 1981-1982 Ronald R. Pretti 1982-1990 Ken Attebery 1990-1994 Jay Holman 1994-1996 Richard (Dick) Brandenburg 1996-2001 Ken Attebery 2002-2008 Cary Bozeman 2009-2012 Tim Thomson 2012-2014

SAFE BOATS VESSEL LAUNCHING AT WATER STREET BOAT RAMP IN PORT ORCHARD

Port’s economic role important to Kitsap County The Port of Bremerton is an important player in what makes Kitsap County work. The Port, which includes the Bremerton National Airport, the Bremerton and Port Orchard marinas and the Olympic View Business and Industrial Park, is key to bringing and keeping boaters, pilots, employers and tourists to the county.

“Ports play a unique role in the economic vitality of any community and the Port of Bremerton is no exception,” said Robert Gelder, Kitsap County Commissioner. “The Port of Bremerton has made an important contribution to the growth and economic diversity of Kitsap County through a variety of assets – marinas, industrial park and the airport.”

“I see the future of the Port to be full of tremendous potential. Whether it’s supporting regional recreation opportunities, industrial and manufacturing businesses or expanded regional commerce through the airport operations, and avenues yet to be developed; the Port of Bremerton is well positioned to excel in its mission and mandate for Kitsap County.”

“The Port of Bremerton has a long history — 100 years, in fact — ­ of promoting economic development in Kitsap County,” Kitsap County and the Port of Bremerton worked together to form the South Kitsap Industrial Area, creating one of the largest areas of industrial/business park land in the Central Puget Sound region.

The Port of Bremerton and the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), which supports business retention and expansion and Kitsap as a business-friendly county, are looking to the future.

The Kitsap Aerospace & Defense Alliance (KADA) initiative demonstrates that the Port of Bremerton is positioned to continue promoting economic development in Kitsap County and to enhance Kitsap’s regional visibility and employment base.

In my 35 years as a Kitsap resident, I’ve seen tremendous changes as the Port encourages innovative business opportunities for our community and I look forward to the Port’s future.”

Charlotte Garrido, County Commissioner

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Port of Bremerton Centennial Celebration

“For a century the Port of Bremerton has played an integral role in building our regional economy, The Port has partnered with the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance to attract investment and jobs to our community.

Most recently this partnership spawned the Kitsap Aerospace & Defense Alliance (KADA) to position Kitsap for the rapid expansion of our regional aerospace industry. Our strategic partnership will continue to strengthen our local and regional economy for generations to come.”

John Powers, Executive Director, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance.

FLEET FIELD (KITSAP COUNTY AIRPORT) 1936

Bremerton Pilots’ Association hangar circa 1937

SEPTEMBER 27, 2013

A “Field of Dreams” The first official airmail flight from Kitsap County Airport (now Bremerton National) occurred May 19, 1938 commemorating National Air Mail Week. The advent of air transportation connecting Kitsap’s communities to the outside region through freight, mail, military and passenger services expanded the economic importance of Kitsap County Airport over the years.

A Giant Stirs Among the Firs...

In April 1963 Kitsap County deeded 1,200 acres of land that included Kitsap County Airport to the Port of Bremerton. Soon after, pressure from private and naval air freight services as well as air taxi services prompted the Port Commission to aggressively pursue runway and infrastructure expansion to this “small and quiet” airport.

ing and grading a new terminal site, an expanded and lighted runway, and filling an area for a 40-acre industrial site to accommodate business and general aviation. The foresight and aggressive improvement programs over the years have resulted in an airport the West Sound region can be proud of.

The years 1966 through 1974 saw dramatic changes to the landscape. Projects included clear-

Flight-related businesses during that time - to name a few - included Crowthers Flight Center

KITSAP COUNTY AIRPORT 1972

BREMERTON NATIONAL AIRPORT TODAY

and Bremerton Air Taxi Service, National Air Taxi, Pegasus Air, Topp Flight Aviation, San Juan Airlines, Alpha Aviation, and Coastal Airways.

Today freight services such as UPS and FedEx operate out of Port of Bremerton’s airport and industrial facilities and Bremerton National is home base to Avian Flight Center, Avian Aeronautics, Peninsula Helicopter, charter business jets and numerous private aircraft.

AVIAN FLIGHT CENTER

BREMERTON NATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL

WE SALUTE THE PORT OF BREMERTON FOR 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, and The Kitsap Aerospace & Defense Alliance are grateful for the Port’s support, and pleased to be strategic partners in promoting economic development opportunities in Kitsap.

Together, The Port of Bremerton, The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, and the Kitsap Aerospace & Defense Alliance are making a difference in developing our economy and attracting investment and jobs to Kitsap County.

Here’s to the Port’s next 100 years, may it continue to make our community a great place to live, work & recreate.

www.kitsapeda.org

www.portofbremerton.org

www.kitsapaerospace.com

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Port of Bremerton Centennial Celebration

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Olympic View Business and Industrial Park opened in 1974 Using its financial resources and a grant from the Economic Development Administration the Port successfully constructed the first phase of utility and road infrastructure to welcome the first tenant, Imperial Manufacturing Company. In the ensuing 39 years, the Port invested grant and taxpayer resources in its mission to develop business and manufacturing sites.

Today Olympic View Business and Industrial Park is home to 30 businesses that provide approximately 1,000 jobs, bringing an economic value of $200 million to the local economy.

QUINAULT BUILDING

Olympic View Business and Industrial Park Today RESTORED BEACH

In 1962 the Port’s Comp Scheme included Gorst Industrial Development

First Tenant – Imperial Manufacturing

Unlike private developers requiring an immediate return on investment, Port districts as “public enterprise” agencies have access to funding that provides for restoration and development of lands degraded by historical practices into valuable industrial and recreational real estate.

In the mid-1950’s Kitsap County Airport was home to the SCCA Seafair Nationals

Thousands of spectators watched hundreds of participants in the largest sports car racing event ever held in Kitsap County.

SCCA Seafair Nationals July 31, 1955

For nearly 55 years since, the inactive runway at Bremerton National Airport has been the home of Bremerton Raceway and Bremerton Motorsports Park where numerous organizations have held events such as drag races, auto-cross and moto-cross, road racing and law enforcement driver training. Nearly every summer weekend hundreds of participants and spectators visit Kitsap County to “go to the races” bringing an important recreational and economic value to the Kitsap County region.

In 1962 the Port’s Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements included a proposed project to fill “necessary or desirable” area in Gorst with fill material dredged from the bottom of Sinclair Inlet that would result in about 140-165 acres of upland for a pier and warehouse space and included a sufficiently dredged ship channel to provide access for ocean going vessels. The slow economy of the day and talks of bridging Sinclair Inlet precluded this ambitious project. In 2004 the Port partnered with

public agencies and private property owners to restore the Sinclair Inlet estuary in Gorst. Today, public access to this restored estuary allows for a close-up understanding of the rich ecosystem of our waterways and the importance of environmental stewardship.

GORST 1985

“The Port of Bremerton is at the center of the largest undeveloped industrially-zoned site in the central Puget Sound. As we work to diversify our economy with private-sector businesses, the Port of Bremerton is an essential partner to attract family wage jobs in Kitsap County.”

Josh Brown, County Commissioner

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Port Orchard Marina opened in 1974 Port Orchard Marina TODAY

“I think it’s really sweet,” he says of boat life. “I think this is the nicest marina anywhere, certainly on Puget Sound.”

Marvin Messor Tenant, Port Orchard Marina

Port Orchard Marina in 1974

With support from citizens, businesses, the City and State, the Port of Bremerton opened the Port Orchard Marina in 1974.

Legislative action in 1965 provided port districts the power to develop recreational facilities and public access to the shoreline.

Studies have shown the economic impact marinas and tourism brings to a local community generally amounts to over $1 million a year. Since then many waterfront areas throughout the region have been altered to include recreational marinas and upland parks.

The Port Orchard Marina quickly became such a popular boating destination that it was expanded in 1986.

After a devastating winter storm in 1996 destroyed portions of the marina, a new and improved facility emerged in 1998 that accommodates larger, wider vessels.

The Port Orchard Marina Park is popular with local citizens and tourists alike and the recreational value to the community is incalculable.

Thank You, Port of Bremerton!

Kitsap Transit extends congratulations and a thank you to the Port for 100 years of dedicated service. We look forward to working with you for many more years to come!

Here’s to the next 100 years!

Carlisle II, 1917

Kitsap Transit has been connecting communities across our beautiful peninsula for 30 years now. For many of those years we’ve worked in partnership with the Port of Bremerton to serve Kitsap County’s waterfront communities.

“It is always a pleasure to work with Port Commissioners Larry Stokes, Axel Strakeljahn, and Roger Zabinski, as well as their staff, this dedicated team is always willing to work with the city of Port Orchard to improve and energize the downtown core.

Cooperation between the Port and the city is at an all-time high.

The Port was instrumental in key projects like the Water Street Boat Launch renovation and the Bay Street Pedestrian Pathway.

In addition to joint projects, the Port’s staff works with the city in many community events that happen downtown. They always display professionalism towards the public and ensure they are enjoying their visit to Port Orchard.

The city plans to continue to support the port in this endeavor and looks forward to the next 100 years of our partnership.”

Tim Matthes Mayor, City of Port Orchard

PORT ORCHARD MARINA PARK

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In 1992 Port of Bremerton was awarded Port of the Year by the Washington Public Ports Association.

BREMERTON WATERFRONT 1984

BREMERTON WATERFRONT 1992 BREMERTON WATERFRONT TODAY This award recognized the Port for its leadership and perseverance to motivate and induce change to the City of Bremerton’s downtown waterfront. After a difficult 2-year negotiation, in 1986 the Port gained control of tidelands between First and Burwell Streets.

BREMERTON MARINA 2008 “This is beautiful,” he gestures with his hands, pointing to the Manette bridge that is just partially blocked by the retired naval ship, USS Turner Joy. “It’s like Hollywood at night,” he says of the lights that illuminate the marina.

Bob Kuha Tenant, Bremerton Marina

In the ensuing years the Port forged partnerships with the City, State Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources, Bremerton Historic Ships Association, Bremer Trust, and Horluck Transportation (Now Kitsap Transit) that by 1992, resulted in an $11.4 million development which included the overwater boardwalk, passenger ferry facility, small boat harbor and moorage for the USS Turner Joy. Today, 20 years later, the outcome of the Port’s early initiative is now a Gateway to the City of Bremerton with the recently completed Bremerton Marina.

“The city and the Port are connected “by the hip” as they own and manage a 300 slip marina, a 1,090-acre regional airport with a 6,000foot runway and a 596-acre industrial park. The past has created our joint foundation, the present is allowing both Port and city to receive revenue that will return vitality back to our city limits of 30 square miles and the future is bright with goals of 9,000 to 20,000 possible family wage jobs.

Together we plan to make our Port of Bremerton and SKIA a thriving hub for aerospace and defense manufacturing through companies that assemble materials and/or are some of the more than 800 suppliers already in the state in the aerospace industry,” Patty Lent, Mayor of Bremerton

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Port of Bremerton Centennial Celebration

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100 Y e a r s o f A c h i e v e m e n t

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The next 100 years the Port pledges to continue to leverage every tax dollar the Port receives through wise investment in job-generating facilities, infrastructure and programs, and continue its collaboration with public and private partners in the interest of long-term economic and recreational benefits shared throughout Kitsap County and the West Puget Sound region.

Preserving the past, expanding the future.

NL Olson & Associates, Inc.

Engineering, Planning and Land Surveying NL Olson & Associates, Inc. would like to congratulate the Port Of Bremerton for their 100 years of excellent achievement. We sincerely appreciate the Port’s confidence in our firm resulting in over 30 years of consulting service