I would like to address a bridge from Brownsville to Bainbridge Island for just us county folks.

The bridge would eliminate problems or concerns about only one exit off the island. In case of fire or disaster, having only one exit doesn’t currently meet fire and safety code for any building and this concerns the safety of thousands of folks.

The bridge would solve problems with traffic on and off the Agate Pass Bridge.

The bridge would provide a much better, shorter and timely avenue to the central and south end of the county. The distance from Silverdale to Manette is about the same distance as Silverdale to the Winslow ferry via a bridge from Brownsville. We could save millions in auto and truck fuel costs, and reduce pollution as well.

This would eliminate the need for a fast ferry and probably reduce ferry needs to the Bremerton dock. The fuel savings alone would compensate for the bridge costs. Additionally, the repairs and maintenance to the ferry system would be greatly reduced.

I have discussed this with many Bainbridge Island people as well as Bremerton and Central Kitsap residents. I have received almost a unanimous favorable response.

I urge everyone to talk to your political representatives. There may even be Homeland Security money waiting for our application.

We need to do this before too much land is covered by buildings and blocking the avenues to and from main roads on Bainbridge and the county.

Jerry VanFossen

Bremerton