Subscribe to the NewsTwo Significant Developments in North Kitsap
By Admin
Port Madison Estates has purchased the White Horse development, and the Port of Kingston has purchased a foot ferry and contracted to restore service to downtown Seattle.
The stalled and bankrupt White Horse Development got a new lease on life when it was recently purchased by Port Madison Enterprises, the business arm of the Suquamish Tribe. This gives Port Madison Estates control of the golf course and the 159 undeveloped lots in the surrounding area. Ironically, the Tribe was one of the groups opposing the original development of the area. Purchase of White Horse is good news and a shot in the arm for the business development of the area as a tourist destination. Port Madison Enterprises did not announce any immediate plans for the undeveloped property.
The ferry was purchased for $2.5 Million and represents another step forward in Kingston’s push for downtown Seattle ferry service. The Kitsap Sun article elaborates more:
KINGSTON —
Kingston fast ferry fans have been knocked to the canvas a few times, but they keep getting up, bruised but wiser.
On Wednesday night, Port of Kingston commissioners voted 2-0 to buy a boat for another try, with service to downtown Seattle planned to begin around Oct. 1.
“This is a pretty exciting time for the Port of Kingston,” commissioner Pete DeBoer said after agreeing to a $2.5 million deal with Silverdale-based Four Seasons Marine Services on the 149-passenger catamaran M/V Spirit.
“And for the community,” chipped in commissioner Tom Coultas. “It’s been a hard-fought battle, and connectivity to Seattle is what we really need.”
The 5-year-old ferry has four new engines that can propel it at 35 knots, but the port plans to run it at 27 knots to save on fuel and wear and tear. It will make the crossing in 45 minutes, twice to Seattle in the morning and twice back in the evening.
The Spirit, designed by Teknicraft of New Zealand and built by All American Marine of Bellingham, most recently was used for eco-tours in Juneau, Alaska.
The port received a $3.5 million federal grant two years ago and last spring got $150,000 in operating funds from the Legislature. The commissioners believe they have half the money necessary to operate the ferry continuously for three years. The port will be applying for federal grants for the other half, which they say should be easier to secure with the boat in the water.
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