Senator, Maria Cantwell, continues to provide the best possible support for the 7E7 and for that matter the 767 Tanker productions in our state. 

Senator Maria Cantwell  Delivers $750,000 for a Composite Training Center at Edmonds Community College which will help train the next generation of workers to build the next generation of airplanes.  The program is critical for producing a high-qualified workforce trained in materials science, particularly composite materials that will be crucial for developing the next generation of military and commercial aircrafts, such as the 7E7.  

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided to move forward with U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell's (D-WA) research center that will focus on advanced materials in airplanes.  Senator, Cantwell has met with University of Washington and Boeing officials and other partners to plan their response to the FAA's request for proposal.  The new FAA Center of Excellence would focus on research to encourage the broader use of advanced structural materials, including composites and new aluminum alloys, in future aircraft such as the Boeing 7E7. 

"This is more than an investment in research, it is an investment in jobs," Senator Cantwell stated.  "Creating jobs in the future, means looking ahead at what is going to drive business and industries.  Composites are the new material for airplanes and will be at the center of new aerospace jobs." 

Gov. Gary Locke stated, "Sen. Cantwell's leadership and work with the UW in proposing this center will strengthen Washington State's coordinated effort to land the 7E7."

Robert Thomas (Director - Pierce, Kitsap County & Olympic Peninsula Office of Senator Maria Cantwell) reported that Boeing officials affirmed the center's importance. "The continuing effort to establish the advanced materials center is a great example of our elected officials working together with industry to keep U.S. leadership in creating a safe and efficient global air transport system. These technologies will be essential going forward as we look towards designing and building the commercial airplanes of the 21st century," said Alan Mulally, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The University of Washington can make a strong case as to why the new research center should be headquartered there.  With its strengths in advanced materials research through its College of Engineering, its nationally recognized leadership in nanotechnology, and its unique relationships with both the Boeing Company and the FAA Transportation Division, the University of Washington and its regional partners - including WSU, Oregon State University and Edmonds Community College -- is particularly well-positioned to participate in this Center of Excellence. 

The funds were approved by both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives today. The $750,000 in the 2004 Department of Defense Appropriations Conference bill is the second installment secured by Cantwell. Last year - at the beginning of the program's creation - Cantwell was successful in winning $500,000 for the college's innovative program. The Edmonds CC program will be carried out in conjunction with Central Washington University's Lynnwood Campus, Puget Sound manufacturers, and the U.S. Air Force. The program's first classes already started in September. The funds to Edmonds Community will be delivered shortly after Presidential approval.

Senator, Maria Cantwell, and Governor Gary Locke, and other officials continue to provide the best possible support to keep Boeing robust in our state.   

What is my opinion?  It is likely; the Washington State has the 7E7 Site Selection Criteria’s.  Transportation (with a continuing support plan from the State Government), Facilities (already existing), Total Cost of doing Business (Already existing and have plan from the State and FAA support), Workforce, Environmental considerations (in work), Community Support ( very active), and Additional infrastructure issues (already existing and plan is already there).  All of us hope and pray that these efforts return positive results. Senator Maria Cantwell and other Officials continues to work closely with the Federal, State and Local Governmental colleagues to provide the best possible support for the 7E7 efforts to meet these critera and for that matter the 767 Tanker production in our state, too. We hope the Boeing Company continues to be committed to help "take care of paradise." 

Senator, Maria Cantwell is confident all the partners will continue to provide every possible tool to keep Boeing robust in our state.

Many Community organizations including myself would like to see the World Best Airplane, 7E7 in Puget Sound, Washington and sincerely appreciates her efforts and support.

Reported By: Catch4all.com, Positive Site: Sandra Englund : November 3rd, 2003.