Kilmer Secures New Federal Funding to Help Revitalize Downtown Bremerton
House-Passed Legislation Included $2.5 Million for Quincy Square Project Construction
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed new federal funding that has been championed by U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) to support the City of Bremerton’s Quincy Square Project – which aims to revitalize a downtown street into an active, housing-based, day-to-night urban center with focused arts, entertainment, and evening-centric retail spaces.
The twelve-bill government funding package, which passed the House with bipartisan support, included $2.5 million in federal funding to assist the construction phase of the Quincy Square and help complete the project. The construction phase will include street reconstruction, landscape and stormwater improvements, water improvements and relocations, lighting, pedestrian and festival amenities, art, signage, construction engineering, construction management, project management, traffic control, public outreach, and other costs associated with completion of the Quincy Square project. The Quincy Square project aims to complement and build on the revitalization of downtown Bremerton and encourage increased density and housing in the downtown area.
The legislation is expected to be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed into law by President Biden in the coming days.
“As we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever that the federal government invests in the revitalization of our communities to support small businesses, grow jobs, and provide access to more affordable housing,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This new investment will leverage public investment to finish the construction of the Quincy Square project and strengthen the vitality in Bremerton’s downtown core. I’m looking forward to seeing this legislation signed into law in the coming days so we can get this project completed, spur economic and affordable housing growth, and honor the legacy of the great Quincy Jones!”
“The City of Bremerton appreciates Congressman Derek Kilmer’s support of this vital investment in our community,” said Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. “The funding will help complete the vision for Quincy Square, which honors the long-time musician and producer Quincy Jones, and will serve as a downtown gathering place for art and cultural events, stimulate economic growth and promote city pride. The federal funds will also help spur long-term public and private partnerships as part of the project.”
Rep. Kilmer led the effort to secure funding for the project through the House Appropriations Committee’s Community Project Funding process.
The Community Project Funding request was supported by Mr. Quincy Jones, 4th Street Action Group, NAACP; Bremerton Chapter, Roxy Theater Foundation, Music Discovery Center, Bremerton Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Bremerton Business Association, Bremerton Arts Commission, Port of Bremerton, Bremer Trust, Admiral Theatre, Kitsap Transit, and Kitsap Economic Development Association (KEDA).