The recent Herald article about county leaders to provide support for companies that bring new jobs to manufacturing and industrial areas around Snohomish County was most refreshing. (March 28, “Tax break for new construction meant to fuel growth of jobs.”) Regretfully, much will not happen until commercial air service is available at Paine Field. In today’s world, business depends more and more on dependable air service to move product and people in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Paine Field is owned by Snohomish County and is one of the finest, modern and up-to-date airports in the United States. Infrastructure is in place, including adequate roads. The airport is presently under-utilized, operating at about one-third capacity. Sea-Tac is our primary regional airport with over 1,000 flights per day. Paine Field as a reliever airport would probably support up to 3 percent of this traffic on a longer term basis.
Implementing commercial air service at Paine Field won’t cost our taxpayers a dime and would provide much needed additional revenue to government. Citizens would also benefit with lower transportation costs and travel times.
Snohomish County was one of the hardest hit counties in the United States during the past recession. It can happen again over the next few years with an economic downturn, Boeing reductions, Navy adjustments and lack of leadership. We can no longer afford Snohomish County Councilman Brian Sullivan’s position on Paine Field that we can build them here but not fly them here, which is irresponsible and must go.
Now is the time for responsible citizens to get involved to help insure that we maintain a strong economic base by supporting commercial air service at Paine Field.
Thank you.
Hank Robinett
Snohomish
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