The cities of Airway Heights and Spokane, Greater Spokane Incorporated, Spokane County, and Spokane International Airport have issued the following statements about today's announcement of the Washington Aerospace Partnership's Aerospace Competitiveness Study.

Since June, the greater Spokane region has been actively involved in the research, development and production of the Washington Aerospace Partnership Boeing 737 MAX Opportunity study. This opportunity is one of the largest job creation projects that the state has seen in decades.  With thousands of jobs and billions in total economic activity, Washington State needs to ensure that Boeing continues to produce next generations of its Boeing 737 here.

The study found that Washington is uniquely positioned to win the 737 MAX, but there are decisions and investments that need to be made to secure the future of aerospace in the state.

The quality and productivity of the aerospace workforce is a primary strength, as is the location of major Boeing fabrication and facilities in Washington and the extensive supplier network to the 737 program.

Governor Chris Gregoire announced today her strategies to ensure that the 737 MAX is built in Washington State.  Her statement can be found here.

Information about the competitiveness study recommendations can be found at www.washington-aerospace.com.

The Spokane region is home to more than 80 direct and indirect suppliers to the aerospace industry. With more than 6,500 employees, this industry has a half billion dollar impact on the local economy. Elected leaders have committed to continuing the investments in infrastructure, education and other economic growth programs to retain and attract aerospace companies to Spokane.  Our area is viewed favorably by aerospace companies for our cost of living, strong labor pool, and utility and land costs.

"In our role as the designated Economic Development organization for Spokane County, we have been very engaged in supporting our local aerospace industry and in recruiting new companies to the region," said Rich Hadley, President and CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated. "As part of the statewide team on the competitiveness project, we were able to present a compelling case that we could support additional supplier requirements and new manufacturing and assembly facilities, as evidenced by the visibility of Spokane in the competitiveness study as a prospective site."

"As a contributing community to the Washington Aerospace Partnership Aerospace Competitiveness Study, Spokane County is an ideal place for aerospace investments and jobs," said Commissioner Al French, Chair of the Spokane County Board of Commissioners. "We have ready sites, a skilled workforce and streamlined permitting in place that will be advantageous for large manufacturers, as well as for companies contributing to the aerospace supply chain. We applaud the Governor's action agenda which will help ensure that Washington State is the place for the 737 MAX."

"With our unique location adjacent to both Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport, the City of Airway Heights has a reputation for providing excellent housing, schools and retail services to our citizens," said Mayor Patrick Rushing, City of Airway Heights. "In addition, our community also serves a number of local manufacturers that are providing supplies to the aerospace industry. We are poised to support additional growth here in Airway Heights and the greater Spokane region."

"The City of Spokane has identified the aerospace industry as one of our top business recruitment and expansion opportunities," said City of Spokane Mayor Mary Verner. "We have invested in utility infrastructure, and targeted specific areas of our service territory as development areas for opportunities like the Boeing 737 MAX.  And our aerospace workforce is second to none."

"We are pleased that Spokane was included in the aerospace competitiveness process," stated Mark Richard, Chairman, Spokane Airport Board and Spokane County Commissioner. "Spokane International Airport offers a location with 5,400 acres of land with rail and direct Interstate 90 access, and high-capacity utilities, an 11,000-foot runway and all weather navigational aids, as well as the support of Spokane County and the City of Spokane. We have taken an active role to develop the region's aerospace industry, infrastructure assets, and workforce to offer a high-quality and low-cost operating environment for aerospace companies."

Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) has been creating something greater for Spokane and the Inland Northwest since 1881. GSI is charged with the mission of growing jobs and business investment through robust programs in economic and workforce development, public policy and small business. GSI is funded through a combination of private and public investment, including 1,400 private-sector member investors; Spokane County; Washington State Department of Commerce; U.S. Economic Development Administration; the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Medical Lake and Newport, as well as the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and the Spokane Tribe of Indians. For more information, visit www.greaterspokane.org or contact us at 509.624.1393, or 1.800 SPOKANE.

Greater Spokane Incorporated's economic development team works to grow jobs and business investment by assisting companies considering relocation or expansion.  Services include cost comparisons, corporate tax incentives and financing options, employee relocation assistance, workforce hiring and training options, and site selection and market information.  To find sites and demographics online, visit www.SelectSpokane.com.

The small but thriving City of Airway Heights, Washington was incorporated in 1955. The city, located in Eastern Washington just six miles west of Spokane is a dynamic growing city with business, recreation, and housing opportunities. For more information, visit www.cawh.org or contact us at (509) 244-5578.

The City of Spokane, home to nearly 210,000 people, is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest region.  Our 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens.  For more information, visit www.spokanecity.org or call (509) 755-CITY.

Spokane County Government is dedicated to excellence, by upholding the public trust with responsive, cost effective, customer-driven services that enhance and protect the quality of life for all citizens.  For more information, please visit www.spokanecounty.org.

Spokane Airports is jointly owned by Spokane County and the City of Spokane. The city and county operate the airports under provisions of RCW 14.08, which establishes the operation of airports by more than one municipality under joint agreement.  The operating authority of Spokane Airports is the Spokane Airport Board, consisting of seven appointees from the two governmental bodies. For more information, please visit www.spokaneairports.net.