OLYMPIA — State to Boeing: How about Spokane for your new plane?

Low labor costs and short commute times mean aerospace giant should consider building its newest jetliner on the West Plains if it decides against a Puget Sound location, the state said in its official pitch for the 777X.

The Site Proposal Washington submitted in the multistate competition to land the assembly line and other facilities needed for the new plane lists the industrial park near Spokane International Airport as a possible alternative to Everett, where the current Boeing 777 is built.

“The Spokane region can provide an affordable alternative to other areas, due to its 18 percent lower business cost than the national average, one of the best commute times in the nation and the sixth lowest natural disaster rate,” said the proposal, which was obtained by the Associated Press under a public records request. Jim Camden, SR

What impact would a Boeing factory in the West Plains have for the region?

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