Resolution backs Boeing for tanker contract
Published 10:46 pm Monday, March 22, 2010
EVERETT — The Snohomish County Council passed a joint resolution with Executive Aaron Reardon on Monday urging the U.S. Department of Defense to award the Boeing Co. a contract to build the next generation of Air Force tankers.
The vote was unanimous by all four councilmen at the meeting.
The Boeing Co. is expected to offer the Air Force a 767-based tanker. This is the Air Force’s third attempt at replacing 179 of its KC-135 tankers. The contract could create or retain an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 jobs.
Boeing faces potential rivalry from Europe’s EADS, which is assessing whether it will compete after the company’s American partner, Northrop Grumman, dropped out of the competition. Russia’s United Aircraft Corp. has denied reports that it, too, plans to enter the competition.
