Boeing 737 MAX Decision Vital To Snohomish County

Earlier this week the International Machinist and Areospace Workers (IAM) ratified a four-year agreement with the Boeing Company which will keep production of the 737 MAX in the Puget Sound Region.

In early October Boeing and the IAM entered into talks to secure a contract that included the production of the 737 MAX in Renton and Portland, Oregon. As a result of those talks there is an unprecedented commitment from the Boeing Company to the Northwest region for the 737 MAX and the related manufacturing of the airliner.  

"This is a very positive sign for our local economy," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "It retains family-wage, union jobs in our region and will have a ripple effect across our local economy."

Although the 737 MAX is not being built in Snohomish County the many Renton plant workers who reside in Snohomish County will directly benefit. Additionally, there are many Boeing suppliers in the county that will provide services and jobs due to this agreement.

"The agreement is a real win-win. We have an extremely well-trained and talented aerospace workforce in the region," said Gossett. "This means Boeing can immediately move forward to build the new version of its most popular airplane without concerns about delays due to an untrained workforce."

While this agreement is great news for local workers and the outlook of the local economy county leaders are focusing on working together to stay competitive in the aerospace industry long-term. The Council was a participant in a joint competitiveness study initiated by Washington Aerospace Partnership, also released in November. The Study calls for improvements to the State of Washington's workforce and education, advanced materials research and development, and infrastructure.

"We need to have a long-range plan to stay competitive, not just react to each new aerospace project as it happens," said Gossett. "While many of the issues identified in the report require state action local governments also play an important role."

The county will be working closely with the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) in prioritizing these goals and developing a legislative agenda and work plan. Snohomish County has already played a key role in aerospace training by assisting the Aerospace Futures Alliance in establishing a aerospace training center at Paine Field. Another key county role is infrastructure, especially transportation.

"A well functioning transportation system is crucial to Boeing's ability to build and deliver planes," said Gossett. "Snohomish County needs to put a plan in place that addresses our future transportation needs."

Gossett, who as Public Works Chair, has led a discussion of transportation shortfalls and solutions this year, plans to continue to focus on transportation issues in 2013.

Urban Forest Preserved For Future

For years local citizens have been seeking to preserve 64 acres of urban forest located in Bothell. North Creek flows through this mature forest, last logged in the early 1900s. The forest provides key habitat for fish and animals and wonderful opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other passive recreation, all in a highly urbanized area. This week the citizens are nearly at their goal.

In April of 2011, the City of Bothell submitted an application to Snohomish County Parks and Recreation for Conservation Futures Funds to acquire the half of the property located in Snohomish County. Commonly known as "the Boy Scout Property", funding of $200,000 was approved in May by the County Council.

"The Boy Scout property is a great opportunity to preserve urban forests," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "Literally thousands of school children are within a five minute walk of this property. We need to save it for our future."

On Wednesday the Council approved the interlocal agreement with Bothell, the last step needed before releasing the money. In addition to providing funding the interlocal outlined the terms for the maintenance and long-term stewardship of the property.

"With this purchase we preserve open space in the Urban Growth Area and provide public access," said Gossett. "As growth continues seizing these opportunities becomes more and more important in densely populated areas."

Bothell expects to close the sale on December 15. For more information about the property and the citizens who took the lead in saving it go to http://www.friendsnorthcreekforest.org/.