OLYMPIA – The route to increasing Washington’s aerospace industry may in fact be found in a pilotless plane.
Rep. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, has introduced legislation to help lure manufacturers of unmanned planes to Washington, and specially the Everett area.
“We’re the heart of the aerospace industry, and makers of these drone planes are a perfect fit for our future,” Liias said. “We have the workers and existing businesses to support them, and their growing market will bring jobs and new plane technology to our community.”
The unmanned aerospace proposal, House Bill 1919, would extend Boeing’s business tax rate to unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturers. Liias believes the rate, in combination with the state’s workforce and general good business climate, would make Washington very competitive in landing these manufacturers.
“With only one unmanned aircraft manufacturer in the state now, the impact on the budget will be minor,” Liias said. “If we can really grow this sector, it’ll bring new jobs with that growth, and really help our economy and budget.
“We need jobs now and in the years to come, and bringing in the unmanned aircraft makers will deliver those jobs to our community.”
If these companies come here, they’ll be bringing good-paying careers with them as well. Base salaries for aerospace engineers start around $80,000 a year, and each employee supports or creates another 2.5 jobs in the community.
“A lot of families have been forced to scale back and do more with less as employers have cuts hours and jobs,” Liias said. “This is an opportunity to bring some jobs back that will support families long-term.”
The 2011 legislative session is scheduled to end April 24.