Published July 2004

Issue of local air carrier service gets fresh attention

By John Wolcott
SCBJ Editor

Snohomish County’s business community was invited in June to offer comments about the potential and need for regional air carrier service at Paine Field.

The long-discussed issue is getting fresh attention in Snohomish County as growing freeway congestion makes travel to Sea-Tac International Airport increasingly time consuming, expensive and frustrating.

The county’s surging population, recovering economy and growing awareness that many businesses looking at local sites want air service nearby are further driving the consideration of developing some form of scheduled air carrier service at the airfield.

Another factor is that the county airport has become a powerful catalyst for economic growth, not only as a general aviation facility but also as a business incubator, employment center and aerospace hub for tenants that include flying services, Goodrich’s airliner maintenance operation and the Boeing Co.’s assembly plant for the 747, 767, 777 and 7E7.

The impetus for today’s focus on air carrier service began in mid-2002 when the Snohomish County Council and county executive created an Economic Stimulus Task Force to counter an economic slump that began in 2000 and became more severe after the terrorist attacks on America on Sept. 11, 2001.

One of the 44 economic growth options that surfaced included exploring regional air services at Paine Field, beginning with a market study examining local demographics and residents’ interest in regional air service.

Architectural and engineering plans and cost estimates for facilities needed for air service, such as a passenger terminal, also will be studied.

Following that research, a community outreach program will publicize the information and develop lists of pro and con issues, suggestions and recommendations. Both the County Council and County Executive Aaron Reardon have reaffirmed their support for the 1978-79 Mediated Role Determination agreement that continues to guide the development of Paine Field with the concerns of neighboring communities taken into consideration.

Earlier this year, market study consultant Mead & Hunt of Eugene, Ore., began conducting demographic and public opinion research for a report due to be finished by this summer. Work on architectural and engineering concepts will begin this summer as part of the study.

County officials also asked the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce, Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce and Snohomish County Economic Development Council for help soliciting responses to a three-page, online business-travel survey for the air carrier study.

While the South Snohomish County Chamber has not taken a position on the issue, the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber has, issuing a statement “supporting efforts to explore an expanded role” at the airport that would include “regularly scheduled air carrier and air cargo activities,” subject to established noise level constraints.

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Related: Allen's aircraft collection brings history to county
Related: County puts final piece of NFIC puzzle into place

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