SPOKANE -- Finally, some good economic news that we can all be thankful for - KXLY has learned Spokane is one of the top finalists for a new Boeing Plant and the jobs that come with it.
There's room for Boeing to grow in the West Plains and that's one reason why Spokane is now number two on the list of preferred locations for a new plant, but getting this far in the race for Boeing dollars hasn't been easy.
Finally, some good economic news that we can all be thankful for - KXLY has learned Spokane is one of the top finalists for a new Boeing Plant and the jobs that come with it. Jeff Humphrey reports.
Boeing is looking for a place to build its new 737 Max, which is the latest version of the company's single-aisle work horse.
Boeing needs to locate its assembly line right next to a major airport so it can fly out its finished product to customers, but up until now Spokane International Airport was off limits to Boeing because of building height restrictions.
Boeing's hangars can reach upwards of 150 feet, so commissioners quickly changed zoning laws in certain parts of the airport.
"We just passed an ordinance amendment that allows for Boeing sub-contractors to construct buildings that are high enough to fit a tail in," Spokane County Commissioner Mark Richard said.
Spokane's also had to demonstrate a willingness to work with Boeing on tax, utility and transportation issues, and so commissioners have made their department heads available 24/7 to answer questions about our area.
"We've put together a task force and executive committee that is working right now to deliberately on what are the next steps and outlining a grant chart in terms of what we have to do to be competitive," Richard said.
Spokane is already competitive because of its affordable power rates and lower cost of living for Boeing workers. County commissioners were able to lure the Caterpillar plant here and now they've set their sights on Boeing.
"We understand that we are ranked very, very high in the state of Washington in terms of being competitive, but you're right that reasons for that is we have a very competitive work force, low priced available land," Richard said.
Spokane is still facing tough competition from Everett, a city that has the home field advantage but may not have enough room for a Boeing expansion.
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