Ferry maintenance facility siting study released
A Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry passes in front of Mount Rainier on a sunny afternoon.
Exciting news for Kitsap Transit ferry riders! We’ve hit a major milestone in our commitment to improving ferry service reliability and efficiency. Kitsap Transit published the final Ferry Maintenance Facility Siting Study in June 2024 — moving us closer to constructing a dedicated ferry maintenance facility.
Since launching our Fast Ferry service in 2017, Kitsap Transit has seen remarkable growth in ridership and operations. As our ferry service becomes a crucial part of our region’s transportation network, having a Kitsap Transit-owned and operated maintenance facility is more important than ever to keep our vessels running safely and efficiently.
Regular vessel maintenance is paramount to safe and reliable service. Today, our ferries travel up to 8.5 hours to reach area shipyards for repairs, creating prolonged and avoidable service downtimes.
The Ferry Maintenance Facility Siting Study evaluated various potential locations, and ultimately recommended a site on Sinclair Inlet west of Port Orchard. This preferred alternative includes four parcels at the current Kitsap Marina and Suldan’s Boat Works sites. The site meets the facility's operational needs and offers opportunities for environmental improvements, such as removing overwater coverage and restoring the natural shoreline.
Feedback from the community was included in the evaluation process. A public survey showed a community preference for the Kitsap Marina and Suldan’s Boat Works combined properties over other proposed options. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and provide your input as we move into environmental review!
Next on the Horizon
After completing the preliminary site screening assessment, Kitsap Transit will begin the environmental review process. This phase will evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. The review will identify the impacts of different alternatives, including a "no-build" option, to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of the project moving forward versus maintaining the existing sites.
Once the environmental review is complete, Kitsap Transit will use the findings to inform the next steps. Depending on the outcome, Kitsap Transit will proceed with detailed design and secure necessary permits and property rights to begin construction of the new ferry maintenance facility, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of our ferry services.
To learn more about the project and see the final study, visit the project webpage.