City News Bytes: Trump Actions May Impact City Projects, Carbon Offsets at Justice Ctr, Local Groups Receive Tourism Funding, Expect Delays on Agate Pass Bridge

Long Arm of New Trump Administration Impacting City Projects

Much has been reported of late about the new Trump Administration’s efforts to transform the federal government. Some of those actions may be coming to roost on Bainbridge Island.

On Monday, January 27, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the Executive Branch of the federal government announced, “Federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to the obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance.”

Shortly after this directive, various agencies and professional organizations advised the City of Bainbridge Island to stop projects involving federal funds, said City Manager Blair King.

“We compiled a list of nine different (City) projects that involve federal funding—not necessarily directly from the federal government, but mostly pass-through money via state agencies,” King explained. “The total amount in grants is $29,553,000. Some of these projects have already incurred costs, while work has not yet commenced on others. These include the Springbrook Fish Passage project, transportation projects, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall, and a few others. The most concerning project is our Winslow Water Tank project, which has approximately $16 million in federal funds, and construction is already underway. We need to draw down funds to reimburse ourselves for expenditures made in reliance on the commitment that these funds would be available.”

“We will continue to go about our work,” he added. “We’ll do our best to follow the law and common sense. We will pay our bills. We will be our boring selves.”

Carbon Offset Project for City Justice Center Moves Forward

The City’s Capital Improvement Plan includes $780K for a solar project to offset carbon emissions from the Ted Spearman Justice Center. Originally recommended by the Climate Change Advisory Committee, the project aims to install a 120kW photovoltaic system to offset 274 metric tons of CO₂.

Following a site evaluation, Woodward Middle School was selected as the project location. The City and Bainbridge Island School District (BISD) entered an agreement in September 2024 to outline responsibilities. The City Council recently approved entering into a contract with Artisan Electric as the installer. The system is designed for future expansion, and BISD will own and maintain it, providing regular generation reports to the City.

Once installed, BISD will provide ownership and maintenance of the system in perpetuity, and will provide generation reports to the City ensuring that the system is in good working order.

Visit Bainbridge Snares Lion’s Share of LTAC Funding

Visit Bainbridge Island, the community’s designated tourism arm, was awarded more than $190,000 in funds to promote tourism activities on the island.

The City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) reviews proposals for funding from the Civic Improvement Fund, which is supported by a state tax on overnight stays in lodging establishments (hotels, motels, B&B’s, etc.). This fund helps promote tourism and supports tourism-related facilities.

In the most recent funding cycle, LTAC met four times between November 2024 and January 2025 to review funding proposals. After evaluating 12 applications totaling $562,238, the committee narrowed funding recommendations to the allocated $400,000. City Council approved these recommendations at Tuesday’s Regular Business Meeting.

Here are the organizations that received funding from the City:

• 

  Arts & Humanities Bainbridge – $6,000 (for First Friday Art Walk promotion)

• Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) – $11,800

• Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce – $70,000

• Bainbridge Island Downtown Association – $70,000

• Bainbridge Island History Museum – $17,000

• Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation – $4,500

• Bainbridge Performing Arts – $18,000

• Bainbridge Youth Services – $1,000 (for Fun Run promotion)

• Bloedel Reserve – $8,000

• Visit Bainbridge Island – $190,000

• Visit Kitsap Peninsula – $3,700

Eagle Harbor Fish Passage Project Gets the Green Light

The Eagle Harbor Fish Passage Project aimed at replacing an undersized culvert with a fish-friendly passage – that will also also support planned non-motorized improvements on Eagle Harbor Drive – is moving forward.

Construction is set for this coming summer, aligning with the Eagle Harbor Drive Non-Motorized Improvement s Project, but may shift to 2026 if materials are delayed, according to city officials. The work will require a three-week road closure, with a detour via Fletcher Bay Road.

The City Council recently authorized advertising bids for construction.

Expect Delays as Crews Clean and Inspect Agate Pass Bridge

Beginning Tues., Feb. 18, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews will return for daytime work on SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge.

The cleaning is scheduled to take place each day Tues., Feb. 18, through Fri., Feb. 21. Inspections are also set to take place this year and are scheduled Mon., Feb. 24, through Thurs., Feb. 27.

From 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. each work day, travelers can expect delays of 30 minutes or longer in both directions on SR 305 near the bridge. Flaggers will alternate traffic through the work zone at the bridge. Law enforcement will direct traffic at the nearby intersection of Suquamish Way Northeast and SR 305.

Source Materials: information and graphics gleaned from City reports.

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