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HomeMy WebLinkAbout067-25 - Resolution - Adopting the 2026 Legislative AgendaDocusign Envelope ID: 79627981-04C5-4CEA-ACC8-01E9E64668A0 RESOLUTION NO. 067-25 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. WHEREAS, since 2011, the City has hired Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs to provide benefit to the citizens by having expertise and guidance of a lobbying firm that would assist the Mayor and staff in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the City to State legislators; and WHEREAS, each year, the firm continues to advocate for important legislative priorities of the City; and WHEREAS, on September 23, 2025, Shelly Helder with Gordon Thomas Honeywell - Government Relations, the City's Lobbyists, provided a presentation on the 2025 Legislative Session and provided context for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session; and WHEREAS, a draft list of the Council's 2026 Legislative priorities has been prepared and is attached, labeled as Exhibit A, now, therefore; THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: THAT: The City of Port Orchard hereby adopts the 2026 Legislative Agenda, attached as Exhibit A. PASSED by the City Council of the City of Port Orchard, SIGNED by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk in authentication of such passage this 28th day of October 2025. Signed by: 3R96492F3F5847n Robert Putaansuu, Mayor ATTEST: Signed by: I�va�o�'1 wat,att 6A&Pr&4•&&Bee4- o Brandy Wallace, MMC, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: 79627981-04C5-4CEA-ACC8-01 E9E64668A0 ORCHARD CITY OF PORT ORCHARD 216 Prospect Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366 (360) 876-44O7 • Fax: (360) 895-9029 cityha1h cityofportorchard.us www.cityofportorchard.us 2026 Legislative Priorities Old Clifton Road Water Intertie Project The Old Clifton Road Water Intertie Project is a key component of the City's Capital Improvement Plan. This project will connect Port Orchard's primary water system with the McCormick Woods system, enhancing system reliability, balancing supply and demand, and supporting future growth to ensure the City can meet long-term water needs. The estimated project cost is $6 million. The City has secured a $1 million loan from the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA) to fund pre -construction activities such as engineering and permitting and is pursuing an additional loan to advance the project. To help minimize the overall loan amount and reduce impacts on ratepayers, the City respectfully requests $1 million in funding support toward the project cost. Sedgwick Roundabouts at SR-16/SR-160 Intersections While new transportation revenue in 2026 may be unlikely, the need for improvements at the Sedgwick Road (State Route 160) and State Route 16 interchange remains pressing. These routes are vital regional and local corridors, yet they are increasingly strained by traffic congestion and safety challenges. The City of Port Orchard has invested in temporary measures to provide short-term relief, but only long-term improvements will adequately address the challenges. The City proposes constructing two compact roundabouts at the SR -16 and SR -160 interchanges to improve traffic flow and safety. Prior to inflationary cost increase, the project was estimated at $6 million. Derelict Vessels The current state budget allocates $17.1 million to the Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DVRP). The City urges the Legislature to protect and maintain these dedicated funds. We also call on the Legislature to streamline processes for timely removal of hazardous vessels and support local governments in addressing this growing issue. This program is vital to public safety, environmental protection, and navigable waterways. On the Horizon: Orchard Street Plaza The Orchard Street Plaza will be a permanent public gathering space in downtown Port Orchard, designed to support community events, local businesses, and year-round public use. The plaza will provide a safe, accessible, and attractive destination for residents and visitors, strengthening the city's downtown core and enhancing quality of life. The total project cost is estimated at $3.5 million. While the City is advancing the project through planning and design, state funding support will be essential in later stages to bring the full vision of the plaza to life. Docusign Envelope ID: 79627981-04C5-4CEA-ACC8-01E9E64668A0 2026 Legislative Priorities City of Port Orchard Page 2 of 2 Other Important Topics Port Orchard will emphasize the importance of the following issues when they are brought up for discussion by the Legislature. Municipal Water Supply - Foster Pilot Program The City of Port Orchard was chosen by the state for a water resource mitigation pilot project to address municipal water supply challenges after the Foster decision. The City has invested over $1 million in City funds for this pilot project, which to date has not resulted in Ecology -approved water supply. The Legislature must adopt solutions providing municipalities a path to sustainable water permitting and usage, as required to accommodate growth under the Growth Management Act. Penalty on Vacant Buildings Cities need more tools to discourage landowners from allowing buildings to sit vacant or in disrepair. Oppose New Housing & Homelessness Mandates The Legislature has aggressively enacted new city requirements aimed at increasing housing supply and reducing homelessness. Port Orchard believes the Legislature should allow cities time to implement these new requirements and assess their impact before passing any new mandates. Transportation Revenue Port Orchard not only requires additional state investment in projects to address unsafe conditions and alleviate congestion, but also increased shared funding for city transportation needs. We will assess proposals that generate new revenue for transportation to determine whether they will help Port Orchard with these needs. Infrastructure Funding Cities require stable and growing infrastructure funding to meet the demands of the Legislature and our residents for: affordable housing, reliable utility services, public health and recreation, access to city services. The Legislature must protect and increase existing infrastructure programs relied upon by local governments. The City of Port Orchard supports the Association of Washington Cities' legislative agenda.