Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee officially launched a statewide council intended to secure the design, production and final assembly of Boeing’s New Market Airplane in Washington state, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“The Choose Washington NMA Council will help make the case that Washington state’s aerospace workforce offers the quickest to profitability and lowest risk location … for Boeing to successfully design and build the NMA,” the release states.
The council is tasked with taking a consensus approach to identify programs, policies and initiatives to help secure the project, which according to the Governor’s Office will help preserve and grow aerospace jobs in the state.
“Washington state is the best place for Boeing to build the NMA, bar none, and I’m looking forward to making that case directly,” Inslee said in a statement. “I also look forward to this council helping to enhance our workforce systems to create more opportunities for workers across industries and a more flexible and cross-trained workforce for industry.”
The full council roster has not yet been released. Members in attendance at Wednesday’s meeting include King County Executive Dow Constantine, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, International Association of Machinists 751 representative Larry Brown, Kelly Maloney of Aerospace Futures Alliance, Robin Toth of Greater Spokane, Inc., Brian Bonlender of the Washington State Department of Commerce and Society of Professional Engineering Employees with Aerospace representative Chelsea Orvella.
“Securing the NMA for Washington State is important for the future growth of aerospace in Pierce County and throughout the state,” said Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier. “I look forward to working together to make our case that Washington is the best possible location for this new aircraft.”
