Gov. Inslee Wants to Use Never-Tried Program to Help Boeing

This program has never been utilized since its inception in 1997.

In an effort to spur economic growth and stimulate job creation, the state legislature approved creating what was called Projects of Statewide Significance.

The designation when applied to companies or potential growth industries would simplify applications, permits, and other government processes to allow the projects to move faster.

It's rather ironic, say critics, that it's been 16 years and the program has never been used!

Inslee, as part of the desperate effort to keep another large Boeing project from slipping away, wants to designate Boeing's plan to possibly build 777x jets in our state as one of these Projects of Statewide Significance.

From the Tacoma News-Tribune:

"Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson believes Boeing could assemble the 777X within its existing facility there, according to the Everett Herald. However, the company may need a new facility to fabricate the plane's composite wings.
Stephanson is leading a task force that is seeking ways to streamline the permitting process. Officials are working to court Boeing in order to preserve the jobs and economic impact that would come with having the new plane built in the state."

Inslee has directed the Department of Commerce to determine if this Boeing project qualifies for such a designation.