The Port Orchard Bay Street Association (POBSA) completed its drip system project this week in time to hang the flower baskets that will adorn the downtown area.

The drip system idea occurred after the city of Port Orchard informed the POBSA that it could no longer provide the funds to keep the baskets watered.

The service had been previously performed by the city’s public works department, but due to budget cuts, the city would not be able to pay for it this year.

“We didn’t want to not have the baskets this year,” said Brenda Kruse, POBSA representative, “so we ordered the baskets and set off to find a way to fund the water maintenance. We came up with the drip system idea so that the baskets could be watered continuously for years to come.”

Four downtown building owners donated their water source so the group could continue with raising the money for the drip lines.

Once the funds were raised, POBSA started immediately on the project in order to have it completed and the baskets hung in time for opening day of boating season.

“On behalf of the POBSA, I would like to thank everyone who made this project possible,” Kruse said. “We would like to recognize the contributions made by the city of Port Orchard, the Port Orchard Rotary Club, Kitsap Bank, Amy’s on the Bay, Debbie MaComber, Carolyn Powers, Sinclair Properties, Virginia and Howard Minor, Fred Chang, Bob Geiger, Gil and Kathey Michael, Fred and Fran Olin, Jerry and Shannon Childs and the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce. Kitsap Outdoor Landscaping Co. and Silverdale Plumbing provided the labor for the project.”

The baskets will be hung today.

Funds are still needed for the annual maintenance of the system and contributions can be made to the POBSA. For more information on donating, call Brenda Kruse (360) 874-0494.