Gov. Gregoire, Sen. Murray join Boeing to announce 11,000 jobs coming with NewGen tanker

For Immediate Release: May 10, 2010

MUKILTEO � Gov. Chris Gregoire and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray today joined officials from The Boeing Company to announce that Washington would benefit from an estimated 11,000 jobs and $693 million in annual economic benefits if the company�s NewGen Tanker is selected as the U.S. Air Force�s next aerial refueling aircraft.

�Our men and women serving in the armed forces need new tankers, and Washington state needs jobs. A Boeing-built tanker will provide 11,000 jobs here at home as it delivers the most capable and affordable plane for our troops,� Gregoire said. �I urge our military leaders to move quickly to make a final decision on this contract. As long as the process is fair and transparent, there is no doubt in my mind that the American worker and Boeing�s NewGen tanker will win this contract.�

�The 11,000 jobs this report points to are an important and timely reminder that there is a lot at stake for Washington state with this contract,� Murray said. �But as we all know, the impact of this contract is far wider than even these numbers can show. A robust aerospace industry in Washington state affects our businesses, schools, communities and families. We have a lot on the line. That�s why I fight for a fair shot every day.�

�Replacing these older aerial refueling tankers is critically important to sustain the global reach of U.S. aircraft,� said U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks. �I am confident that if we have a fair competition that recognizes the true cost of production � without subsidies from foreign governments � these tankers will be built here in the United States, supporting thousands of aerospace jobs.�

Boeing employees in Washington will play a critical role in modifying and assembling the 767 airplanes into NewGen military tankers. Nationwide, the tanker program would support 50,000 American jobs with Boeing and send work to more than 800 suppliers. Boeing has produced refueling tankers since the 1940s. Its plants are fully functional and production lines are ready to immediately begin work.

Earlier this year, Gregoire joined with nine other governors to form the U.S. Tanker 2010 Coalition to energize the national debate about which aircraft best serves the national interest. The coalition is a bipartisan group of elected officials, business and labor organizations committed to ensuring the bid selected will produce the best product for the Air Force, create American jobs and wisely invest taxpayer dollars.

For more information on the NewGen tanker, visit www.unitedstatestanker.com.

For more information on the U.S. Tanker 2010 Coalition, visit www.ustanker2010.com.