Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 21, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke urges further Boeing support from President Bush

OLYMPIA – Gov. Gary Locke today sent President George W. Bush a letter requesting that U.S. airlines receiving federal aid in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks commit to purchasing Boeing aircraft.

“Given that our taxpayer dollars will be used to assist our nation’s airlines, they in turn should commit to assisting U.S. aircraft manufacturers, maintenance companies and suppliers,” the governor said.

Locke also urged this Boeing support from U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta during a White House briefing with other governors earlier today.

The request follows yesterday’s letter from Locke, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen and state legislative leaders expressing strong bipartisan support for a federal economic-relief package to assist the commercial aviation industry -- including assistance for displaced Boeing employees.

The letter to Bush follows.

Dear Mr. President:

Last week’s vicious terrorist attacks created an economic crisis for our nation’s airline industry. The grounding of U.S. air traffic and subsequent reduction in commercial air travel have resulted in widespread flight cancellations and layoffs of tens of thousands of workers.

As a result of this crisis, The Boeing Company this week announced plans to lay off up to 30,000 employees from its commercial airplane unit by the end of 2002. Many of these individuals reside in the state of Washington.

It is likely the federal government will provide an economic-aid package for domestic airlines. As indicated in our letter to you on September 20, Washington State legislative leaders and I firmly support such a relief package and hope that it will also include aid to displaced Boeing workers.

In addition, I respectfully request your strong support in stipulating that U.S. airlines receiving the aid commit to purchasing Boeing aircraft. Boeing is the sole U.S. manufacturer of commercial aircraft. Given that our taxpayer dollars will be used to assist our nation’s airlines, they in turn should commit to assisting U.S. aircraft manufacturers, maintenance companies and suppliers. Clearly, your active support is critical to ensuring that this condition is included in administering the economic relief package for the airline industry.

Thank you for your steadfast leadership during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Gary Locke
Governor

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Related Links:
- The Boeing Company
- The White House
- Washington State Legislature
- Lt. Governor Brad Owen
- U.S. Congress
- U.S. Department of Transportation

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