Paine Field Aerospace Business Park at the Snohomish County, Wash., Airport may soon include a 42-acre aerospace manufacturing facility to build Boeing’s 777X aircraft.
The Area Development Online News Desk reports the state’s Community Economic Revitalization Board approved a $2 million loan for Snohomish County Airport to invest in Paine Field infrastructure. The County will use the funds, along with more than $2 million in local match, to prepare 42 acres of the Paine Field Aerospace Business Park for construction of an aerospace manufacturing facility. The complex could be used by Boeing or another supplier to support the anticipated 777X program.
The CERB loan is contingent upon the county completing specific pre-contract requirements, including an agreement from the private business committing to the creation of at least 50 jobs and private investment of at least $20 million.
Washington State “took another step forward in demonstrating that we are willing to do what it takes to ensure that Boeing’s 777X is built here, including its carbon fiber wing and as many of its components as possible,” says Gov. Jay Inslee. “The Community Economic Revitalization Board’s commitment of $2 million to assist Snohomish County in the preparation of land at Paine Field for aerospace-related manufacturing development is part of our strategy to ensure that Boeing and its supply chain have sufficient options when it comes time to select locations for 777X-related manufacturing.”
“State investment in this project sends a signal to the aerospace industry that Washington is ready to do what it takes to compete,” says Brian Bonlender, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. “These funds will prepare acreage that is adjacent to the Paine Field main runway and has unparalleled access to the Boeing Everett manufacturing campus – a perfect location to grow our state’s aerospace manufacturing sector.”
CERB funds build upon Snohomish County’s successful aerospace cluster, which includes an Aerospace Convergence Innovation Partnership Zone established in 2007. This project is also awaiting a decision from the Department of Commerce on whether it will be designated as a project of statewide significance, which would expedite the permitting process.
Snohomish County Executive John Lovick points out that news of a conditional order by Deutsche Lufthansa AG for as many as 34 of the 777-9X aircraft “shows the need for this proactive investment, along with other significant initiatives still under development, and will make the case that Washington has the infrastructure, workforce, and business climate in place that can deliver the 777X to the Boeing Co. and its customers on schedule and on budget.”