Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 31, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Spokane area poised for economic development, Locke says

OLYMPIA - The Spokane area has built the cornerstones for an economic resurgence, Gov. Gary Locke told members of the region's chambers of commerce today.

Noting Spokane recently was ranked among the "Top Ten Most Underrated Towns in America" in a national magazine, Locke said, " That means you've laid the foundations and just have to get the word out."

Locke made his remarks before the Spokane Regional and Spokane Valley chambers of commerce in Olympia.

He emphasized the legislative session would not end until a concrete plan to Get Washington Moving Again was produced.

That plan would include making the transportation system more efficient and determine how it would be funded.

Locke said he wants to get to work immediately on building the North-South Corridor, widening the Interstate 90 lanes to the Idaho border and constructing a highway-rail grade separation at state routes 2 and 206 north of Mead.

He also praised Spokane-area businesses for their leadership in the current energy crisis.

He said some of Rosaurers Grocery Stores have stressed conservation by turning off lights and heat and closing the doors from midnight to 5 a.m. The company also donated $10,000 to help people who lack funds to pay their heating bills.

He said Avista Corp. was working with Spokane Falls Community College to conserve energy.

"Imagine if every business and every college and every family across the state followed these examples. The energy crisis would be over," Locke said.

The governor also told the chambers that the state's education system needed to be improved.

"I believe education is the best defense against poverty ... the best offense for economic prosperity," Locke said.

He called on the Legislature to create a new education code by 2004 so that exceptional teachers can get exceptional compensation and qualified people can become certified more quickly.

Locke also said schools must be allowed to set high achievement standards and be rewarded for meeting them.

"It's time to stop letting the education code hinder our schools and start doing things the right way, with common sense," Locke said.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive