Bremerton Community Center to be funded in final spending bill

Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) Today announced the funding she secured to boost construction work and community development in Kitsap County has been included in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act. This funding will create jobs building new facilities for local community efforts. The final version of the spending bill came out of a conference committee between the Senate and the House and is expected to pass both bodies shortly before being sent to the President for his signature.

United Way of Kitsap County is slated to receive $1,217,500 to develop a facility for the new United Way Non-Profit Community Center in Bremerton.

“This money is going to seriously accelerate the project,” Patricia Hennessy, director of resource development of United Way of Kitsap County, said. “It will get us that much closer to the finished product.”

Although President Obama has yet to sign the bill, Hennessy said the United Way of Kitsap County staff are feeling “very optimistic.”

“This project isn’t about the United Way or any individual,” she added. “It is for the community. It will make a big difference in the lives of people here.”

The United Way Non-Profit Community Center will house several local non-profit agencies and organizations that provide a range of services to low-income members of the community.

“Our aim is to have the greatest positive impact on the lives of those who need our help the most,” David Foote, executive director of United Way of Kitsap County, said. “This project is not just about a building, it is about bringing the community together and focusing our collective resources on creating measurable and lasting change.”

Hennessy said the the news is extremely exciting but the annual capital campaign continues to raise funds for well-needed programs.

“It is really important for us to fund those safety nets,” she said.