State submits aerospace proposal for Grant, Snohomish and Spokane counties with support from Gov. Christine Gregoire

For Immediate Release: March 29, 2005

Gov. Christine Gregoire today signed a letter in support of efforts by Grant, Snohomish and Spokane counties to compete for an aircraft-assembly plant that European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS) may locate in the United States. EADS is the parent company of Airbus.

In a letter of support, the governor said, �Washington is the right place for EADS to invest in its North American future. This proposal includes information on three innovative communities that are primed with competitive development capacity: Grant, Snohomish and Spokane counties.�

Gregoire�s letter cited these competitive benefits:

• Washington is the No. 1 aerospace location in the world with over $24.5 billion in business activity fueled by 63,300 skilled workers.


• Washington is the hub for global innovations � from aerospace to software, from biotech to online retailing.


• Washington offers a premier kindergarten-through-doctorate education system, including state-of-the-art training and research supporting the aerospace industry.


• Washington has a complete nexus of aerospace resources � outstanding sites, a skilled workforce, a diverse supplier base and a strong commitment to the aerospace community and business.


• Washington has a unique combination of essential infrastructure, including convenient ports, redundant rail service, low-cost and reliable power service, excellent highway connections and large-scale airfields.


• Washington is ideally located for shorter delivery time for Asian suppliers, faster port readiness and ease of processing.


• Washington offers a distinctive Northwest lifestyle that provides an excellent quality of life and an affordable cost of living.

The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development is coordinating the efforts of the three communities interested in the possible aerospace-assembly plant.

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