Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 16, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Daryl Williams, Tulalip Tribes, 360-651-4476; Stephen Holt, Snohomish County, 425-388-3213

Gov. Gary Locke Praises Progress, Team Effort for Proposed Boeing Rail-Barge in Everett

Gov. Gary Locke today praised the joint effort of Snohomish County, the City of Everett, Tulalip Tribes and Port of Everett to support construction of a proposed rail-barge facility to benefit the Boeing Company’s Everett plant.

The leaders of the four government entities this week sent a letter to Locke and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Alan Mulally stating their intent to work together to build the facility.

Stanley Jones, Sr., vice chairman of the Tulalip Tribes; Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel; Everett Mayor Frank Anderson; and Philip Bannan, commission president for the Port of Everett, signed the letter. In it, they reaffirmed their desire to work together to make the rail-barge a reality.

“This letter further exemplifies the commitment of these four groups to this very important project,” Locke said from Shanghai, China, where he is leading a seven-day trade mission. “Construction of this facility would improve Boeing’s operations in Everett and allow the company to grow and expand and create jobs.”

The letter stresses that “substantial progress” has been made on the proposed project, including an effort to “respect the historic treaty fishing rights of the Tulalip Tribes.”

Daryl Williams, environmental liaison for the Tulalip Tribes, said, “We are working with all parties involved to develop a pier design and location that will have minimal environmental effects on marine life and on commercial fishing activities. The Tribes are also working with the local governments to design a mitigation package that should result in a net gain of habitat for marine life.”

Drewel said, “This letter shows what can happen when governments work in partnership to resolve important issues. We have a strong agreement to build the Boeing pier in a manner that meets the legitimate needs of all parties.”

Anderson said, “We recognize the importance of working together and respecting the rights of each government in the process. We want to protect our basic industries as well as our water and our fish.”

Bannan said, “The Port views this as a very positive opportunity for various interests to work together toward a common goal. We are pleased this level of cooperation has been accomplished.”

The proposed project would improve the efficiency and speed with which its cargo can be moved from shore to the Everett plant. This would provide continued efficiencies to the existing 777 production and could support the final assembly of future Boeing airplanes, such as the proposed 7E7.

The facility will consist of a dock, a rail connection to the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe main line, and improvement of the Boeing rail spur and storage facilities for rail cars. The evaluation phase of the project has been completed and the environmental review and permit phase are underway.

Last May, Locke signed a bill that is helping Everett continue its plans for the rail-barge facility. The legislation clarifies how local governments are to protect shorelines while planning for development, a necessary step while Everett prepares to amend its shorelines plan for the proposed project. Locke also signed a bill in June that provides $15.5 million in state funding to design and build the facility.

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Editor’s Note: A copy of the letter can be obtained by contacting the Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136.

Related Links: www.governor.wa.gov; www.tulaliptribes.com; www.co.snohomish.wa.us; www.ci.everett.wa.us; www.portofeverett.com

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