A key step forward in restoring salmon habitat and community access at Harper Estuary.





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Kitsap County News











*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2025*

Kitsap County Awards Construction Contract for Harper Estuary Restoration Project

*PORT ORCHARD, Wash.* — Kitsap County has reached a significant milestone in the long-awaited Harper Estuary Restoration Project, awarding the construction contract for the Harper Bridge replacement after more than two decades of planning, study, and community engagement.

“After more than 20 years of planning and community engagement, the Harper Estuary project is becoming a reality,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Oran Root. “Thanks to multiple state and grant funding sources, this investment restores a vital estuary while preserving access for the community.”

On Dec. 8, 2025, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Scarsella Bros., Inc., to construct a new bridge at Harper Estuary. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with bridge construction expected to be finished by January 2027. Overall project completion is anticipated by April 2027.

The project will replace an undersized three-foot culvert that currently blocks fish passage with a 120-foot bridge, restoring tidal flow and reconnecting a high-priority estuary in South Kitsap. The restoration will significantly improve habitat for salmon and other aquatic species while enhancing public access and long-term environmental resilience.

*Project Background and Community Engagement*

Kitsap County hosted a Harper Estuary Community Meeting on Jan. 28, 2025, providing updates on project progress, funding, bridge construction plans, and park use. Staff from the Department of Community Development, Public Works, and Parks were available to answer questions and gather community input. Presentation materials from that meeting remain available online.

A public meeting is planned for February 2026 to share details about traffic impacts, park access, and the construction timeline. Additional information will be released in the new year.

*Final Design Highlights*

The final bridge design includes:


* Improved stormwater treatment
* Pedestrian access across the bridge
* A small watercraft hand-launch on the northeast side of the bridge

Artistic renderings and final design plans are available on the project webpage [ [link removed] ].

*Funding Secured: $**9.296 million*

The Harper Estuary Restoration Project is fully funded through a combination of federal, state, and local sources:


* *$6**.84 million* — Promoting Resilient Operation for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost Saving Transportation (PROTECT_)_ Program (Federal)
* *$1**.456 million* — Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board (State)
* *$1* *million*— Kitsap County REET 2 (Local)

*Construction Schedule*


* *Construction period:* June 2026-January 2027
* *Anticipated project completion:* April 2027

*Stay Informed*

Project updates will be shared through the Harper Estuary project webpage [ [link removed] ] and email notifications. Community members are encouraged to subscribe to GovDelivery [ [link removed] ] to receive the latest updates.

For questions or comments, please contact [email protected] <[email protected]?subject=Harper%20Estuary%20Question>_ _or call 360.337.5777.

*Quick Links* 


* Harper Estuary Project Webpage  [ [link removed] ]

* Subscribe to Harper Estuary News [ [link removed] ]

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*About Kitsap County*

"Located in Washington, ""Kitsap County" [ [link removed] ]" is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh- most populated county in the state. Bordered by the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Kitsap offers residents, businesses, and visitors a stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. The county includes the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island, as well as many unincorporated communities. " 

"Kitsap County is led by a three-member Board of Commissioners that is committed to providing high-quality services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development." 

"For more information about Kitsap County services and initiatives, visit ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]" or follow us on social media ""@KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]"." 

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*Links in this document*

Harper Estuary Project Webpage / [link removed]

"Kitsap County Department of Community Development: www.kitsap.gov/dcd [ [link removed] ]"

"@KitsapWA: ""www.facebook.com/KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]

"Website: ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]

"Sign up for our updates: ""[link removed]" [ [link removed] ]






Media Contact Information

Alicia Adler, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Community Development
[email protected]

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Kitsap County · 619 Division Street · Port Orchard, WA 98366 · 360-337-5777 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]