Here’s what backers of keeping the 737 MAX home say about Kitsap

Readers,

Here’s a working document Kitap’s movers and shakers will be working off when they meet Wednesday at the airport to again strategize ways for Kitsap to get a part of the 737 MAX action. This was prepared by consultant P.S. Reilly of NextGen Today. — Rachel Pritchett

Why Build the 737 in Kitsap County?
DRAFT: Kitsap Aerospace Alliance, 11‐15‐11
Kitsap County has a 100 year history of supporting the Naval Base and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
in Bremerton, the second largest employer in the state second only to Boeing. Our successful track
record has helped to cultivate a local culture that is supportive of the needs of business and knows how
to get things done. We know how to create capacity for growth, align key infrastructure initiatives, build
tailored workforce programs, and support supply chain needs to ensure that large specialty
manufacturers‐‐like the shipyard and Boeing‐‐can be successful. What Kitsap can bring to Boeing’s 737
Max Effort:
1. Ideal Site to Build to Your Needs
 South Kitsap Industrial Area has approximately 3400 industrial zoned land around the
Bremerton Airport, with over 1000 developable acres of zoned land available for lease or
purchase directly adjacent to its runway.
 Planning, zoning, environmental analysis and road infrastructure continues to advance the
site to reduce the effort required from Boeing
 The Airport has a runway that has the potential to accommodate the takeoff and landing of
the 737
2. Physical Access to Markets
 Deepwater port in Grays Harbor, rail line connected to the national rail grid, and state
highway system are available to ship in or out key components.
 18 flight miles from Boeing field, one hour drive from current 737 plant in Renton and 45
minutes from the SeaTac International Airport.
3. Capacity to Support a Local Complex Supply Chain
 Successful track record supporting the defense contractors as that industry grew to support
the naval base and shipyard.
 Commercial and industrial capacity is available with easy access to the Bremerton Airport
Complex with multi‐modal access in and out of the region.
 Capacity to support airline maintenance and refurbishment, or other areas of potential
expansion for Boeing or its suppliers.
4. Ability to Attract, Build and Retain a Skilled Workforce
 Large, existing trained workforce living in Kitsap County, with fifty‐two of every 1,000
workers connected to architecture or engineering, one of the highest concentrations in the
nation. Large number of existing Boeing employees already living in Kitsap County and many
military personnel looking towards their second career after the military who are well
trained and ready to work.
 Tailored workforce programs to meet the specific needs of our large employers—Olympic
Community College in Bremerton has an outstanding apprentice training program (one of
the largest of its kind) in partnership with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
 Kitsap County can attract and retain a strong workforce for Boeing with its great quality of
life, affordable housing, outstanding medical facilities, good schools, and just a ferry ride
away from downtown Seattle.
5. Business Certainty from Clear Government Leadership
 Kitsap County is represented by nine elected state representatives who will support our
needs in Olympia.
 The Port, and local and county governments work among themselves and with business to
collaborate around economic development, working together to support the needs of the
business community across the county.
 The Bremerton National Airport is located in the congressional district of Congressman
Norm Dicks, a long‐time supporter of Boeing.
Why Build the 737 in Kitsap County?
DRAFT: Kitsap Aerospace Alliance, 11‐15‐11
The South Kitsap Industrial Area Capacity
The South Kitsap Industrial Area (SKIA) sits southwest of the City of Bremerton and represents a great
opportunity for Boeing to build what it needs in a cost‐effective way. There are a number of features
that make this a prime site for new construction:
Large Area of Industrial Zoned Property
With 3,400 gross acres centered around the Bremerton National Airport (BNA), this is the largest track
of industrial zoned land on the West side of the Puget Sound. This site represents the majority of the
developable aviation industry land available regionally. Approximately 1700 gross acres of that is
owned by the Port of Bremerton. The remaining acreage is privately held by a small group of private
landowners.
Location, Location, Location
The site sits just 18 air miles away from Boeing field, an hour drive from Renton and SeaTac airport, an
hour ferry to Seattle. There is easy access for people and goods.
Existing Runway and Extensions to Accommodate Boeing Test Flights
The BNA runway has the potential to support all variants of 737’s and meet Boeings needs for test
flights. There is a plan underway to achieve a runway that is C‐III capable. This is one of the few
locations with unencumbered industrial land around the airport that allows for runway modification and
expansion. Currently, the site already has a 6,000 ft runway with ILS & GPS approaches; FAA establish
ADS‐B (NextGen) Next Generation Transportation System receiver at BNA. The Port is working with FAA
to reclaim 1,190 ft relocated threshold for departures only – increasing runway length to 7,190 ft. A
runway extension is possible to south by 1,000’ without major environmental impacts increasing overall
length to 8,190’.
Leasable, Developable Land with Direct Runway Access
In addition to its acreage that makes up the runway and terminals, the Port owns 420 acres of
developable, leasable land situated adjacent to the BNA and accessible to the cross‐SKIA connector road
that ties it into the state highway system. Additional improvements are planned to the connector that
will even further increase the accessibility of this property and open up an additional amount of
privately held acreage currently available on the east side of the BNA for development. While the Port
by mandate has to lease its land, private owners are able to make their land available for purchase. Road Access Continues to Open Up More Acreage.
Investment underway in the cross‐SKIA connector road continues to increase access to key areas of the
site. The table below illustrates current and planned enhancements to the property access.
CURRENT RUNWAY
6,000’
RECLAIMATION
UNDERWAY
7190’ Total
ADDITIONAL
POSSIBLE
EXTENSION
8,190’ Total
Why Build the 737 in Kitsap County?
DRAFT: Kitsap Aerospace Alliance, 11‐15‐11
2012
BNA Master
Plan Update
2013
Taxiway
Rehabilitation
(C‐III) capable
2015
Environmental
Assessment for
East Side
Development
2016‐2017
Extension of
taxiway and
east side
development
(hangar pads
and aprons)
Phase
Length
(miles)
Status Acreage Impacted
1st 1 m Already constructed Opened up all developable 420 Port acres plus another 80 north of the
current Port acreage to Highway access
2nd 1.4 m
Currently under 30% design/
National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA)
Provides multiple access points to the Port’s 420 acres, plus access to Old
Clifton Road, a county road that ties the area into Highway 3 and the
regional highway system.
3rd 1.0 m Private property collection of
data for NEPA
Opens up an additional 600 acres of private industrial property and ties
into Lake Flora Road, which ties the property into both Highway 3 and
Highway 16, increasing access to regional highway system
Continued Investment by the Port
The Capital Project Roadmap for the Port of Bremerton’s portion of SKIA is identified below, which will
continue to advance the planning, environmental work, and infrastructure that will continue to improve
the value of the site for potential companies.
Land Distinctions with Resource Implications
SKIA has a regional designation as “manufacturing/industrial center” eligible for federal fund
infrastructure improvements. The Port has successfully leveraged that for the first phase of road
improvements. The site also has a Foreign Trade Zone designation that represents potential deferrals
or waivers of custom fees for imported goods.
BusinessMinded
Landowners
The Port and the private landowners have collaborated successfully to get the industrial zone
designation and on infrastructure enhancements to the site, including most recently the addition of the
cross‐SKIA connector road. These groups also have collaborated over the years around other key issues
like avigation easements to enable further runway expansion.
Local Construction Cost Advantages to Building in SKIA
Building in Kitsap County is highly competitive because land cost is generally lower; skilled construction
labor force is readily available; and actual construction cost is favorable due to ease of access, staging,
expedited permitting, and a competitive environment.
Why Build the 737 in Kitsap County?
DRAFT: Kitsap Aerospace Alliance, 11‐15‐11
Cost Effective & Timely Physical Access to Markets
The Kitsap location provides clear physical access to markets for both bringing supplies and components
in, and shipping components and completed planes out. Cost‐effective access to Kitsap is achieved
across several access ways: a deepwater port, rail, highway system, and local airfields.
Leverage Extensive Rail System, Highways and Ferry
SKIA and the Olympic view Industrial Park located on the property benefit from the “Puget Sound Pacific
Transportation Corridor” highway and rail system between Port of Bremerton and Port of Grays Harbor.
This system of highways, ferry and rail options create flexible and accessible shipping enabling local
manufactures to set deliveries/outgoing shipment schedules based on need and timeline rather than
traffic time.
Right across from the airport at the industrial park there is direct rail access from the site to national rail
road grid via Centralia. 68 rail miles via short line railroad system. This is a US Navy‐owned track with no
oversize load limitations and no tunnels.
As for highways, the site is just four miles from a freeway system. State Routes 3 and 16 connect this
area to the I‐5 corridor. Regionally, a second Tacoma Narrows Bridge brings more access around to the
south. Finally, there is also an option to move goods through the state
ferry via Southworth, which includes dedicated freight run.
Accessing the Region Through Port of Grays Harbor
Taking or receiving goods out west to the deepwater port at the Grays
Harbor Terminal saves a day or two of sailing time. The Grays Harbor
Terminal 4 takes 80 vessel calls and moves 1.2M Metric Tons Each
Year. They can handle components of all sizes, with no known size
restrictions that would impact Boeings use.
Regional Airway Access
The site is only 18 airmiles to Boeing field. The drive for people or goods to SeaTac airport is just 55
miles from BNA.
Sample dockage rates at Port
of Grays Harbor
Vessel Length
(meters)
Rate per 24
hr day
95 $1,054
155 $2,376
200 $4,646
275 $13,035
Note: plan is to build one map that
includes all of the pieces—this one
has rail and port, should also show
highways and call out for airports
Why Build the 737 in Kitsap County?
DRAFT: Kitsap Aerospace Alliance, 11‐15‐11
Capacity to Support a Local Supply Chain
Industrial Park Capacity within SKIA for Local Suppliers
There are several ideal sites located within SKIA that boast close access to the main site around the
runway. Some of these sites are already pre‐built, others are in various stages of planning, plotting, or
development. We’ve listed some examples below.
Olympic View Industrial Park. The Olympic View Industrial park sits on 587 gross acres and is
situated across from the airport boast some direct access to rail link and the Pacific Ocean. 91 acres still
remain in the industrial park for lease at various stages (all has access to infrastructure, roads and
utilities and is at various stages of development. It has water, sewer, fiber optics, and 230kv electrical
in.close proximity. 12 acres of industrial land that has direct access to the rail.
Industrial Park 2. 40 acres plotted out industrial business park owned by a private landowner as part
of 120 acres with direct access to road and infrastructure. Two buildings are already developed. The
runway is only 300 yards away.
Industrial Park 3. Adjacent to the 40 acre plat is another 80 acres privately owned undeveloped
parcel north that is already accessible by the SKIA connect phase I.
In addition to those industrial spaces located within SKIA, there is also capacity available in other areas
in Kitsap County with easy access back to the site.
Track Record of Supporting a Supply Chain
The Kitsap County has successfully support the Naval Shipyard and its needs for supplies,
subcontractors, and specialty manufacturing. In addition to the shipyard, there are a select number of
specialty manufacturers in Kitsap that are also able to source some of their needs locally or regionally.
Boeing vendors who site in Kitsap would have access to the same suppliers that are used in Pierce, King,
Snohomish, Skagit, etc.
Currently, a strong PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) program in WA State and Kitsap
County helps provide the tools necessary to sell to the Navy and its prime contractors. The same
principles can be applied to the Boeing supply chain. Additionally, many of the Kitsap (and regional)
companies selling to the Navy could likely sell to Boeing and suppliers/contractors based in Kitsap.
Companies that consistently sell to the Navy and/or prime contractors include:
 Suppliers (such as B&P Consort, Westbay Auto)
 Machine Shops
 Professional Services (IT, architecture, engineering)
 Construction
Currently there are several dozen machine shops and metal manufacturing shops in Kitsap County.
Note: This section needs beefed up to reinforce our ability to support. Currently investigating the
composite manufacturing capabilities, etc.
Why Build the 737 in Kitsap County?
DRAFT: Kitsap Aerospace Alliance, 11‐15‐11
Ability to Attract, Build and Retain a Skilled Workforce
Kitsap County has highly qualified employees, award‐winning schools, and innovative workforce
development programs. We’ve developed these capabilities in partnership with our major employers,
and now they and other potential employers are the benefactors.
The Puget Sound Naval shipyard, with its 10,000+ workforce, is the second largest employer in the state,
second only to Boeing. Like Boeing, it designs and manufactures large transportation vehicles and
requires a wide variety of talent from engineering and professional positions to skilled technicians and
entry level workers.
It has found success recruiting into the region, and working in tandem with the local schools and training
programs, it has been able to build the skilled workforce it needs to succeed. In addition to the
Shipyard, other manufactuers and businesses that require skilled labor have also found success here
attracting, training, and retaining a workforce.
Training Workforce to Meet Industry Needs
Note: We are getting more information for this section, and will beef it up with additional program
information about successes, benefits to employers, etc.
Kitsap has expertise and capacity for multiple specialized skills training programs. There are a number of
existing examples where local employers are able to find or make (and then retain) the skilled
employees they need. Our local schools work in partnership with companies to build tailored workforce
programs to meet their specific needs. A couple of prime examples are below:
Apprenticeship Programs. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard needed a trained workforce, so they
partnered with the Olympic Community College in Bremerton to build the largest federal apprenticeship
program. Including this program, Olympic College now trains 626 apprenticeship students in six
programs.
Specialty Degrees. Harrison County Medical Center is another regional employer who has benefitted
from the tailored education programs. With over 2,200 employees, many in specialty or high‐demand
positions, Harrison has been able to work with Olympic College and other efforts to train the workforce
it needs to serve the community. More information here, along with reference to Olympic College’s
ability to support four year degrees.
Innovative and specialized worker retraining program at Olympic College which providing training to
nearly 400 students each quarter. Workforce development grants for qualified industries from the
Olympic Workforce Development Council.
Summary of Existing Workforce
Strong and Stable Workforce. Kitsap’s primary labor force in August 2011 totaled 122,250, with an
unemployment rate of 7.8%. Kitsap draws on a secondary labor force of 1.9 million from the
surrounding Mason, Jefferson, Pierce, King and Snohomish counties. Large, existing trained workforce
living in Kitsap County, with fifty‐two of every 1,000 workers connected to architecture or engineering,
one of the highest concentrations in the nation.
High Work Ethic. Kitsap businesses praise the prevalent high work ethic, which is due to Military
retirees and spouses in the labor force and family demographics of the county. Large number of existing
Why Build the 737 in Kitsap County?
DRAFT: Kitsap Aerospace Alliance, 11‐15‐11
Boeing employees already living in Kitsap County. Many military personnel looking towards their second
career after the military who are well trained and ready to work.
Low Employee Turnover. Kitsap businesses thrive on savings from low employee turnover. In one
example, a call center located in Kitsap with 500+ employees has a 12% annual turnover, compared to
26% annual turnover in the same business nationally.
Highly Educated Population. Although
accounting for just 8% of regional population,
Kitsap ranks 2nd in educational attainment and
household incomes.
Access to Retired Military Population. In
addition to the retired military coming from the local Naval Base Kitsap, the site is located between two
large military aviation commands. NAS Whidbey Island to the north and McCord AFB to the south. Both
these activities produce highly trained sailors and airmen who learn aviation metal smith, avionics,
power plant, electrical skills convertible to the private aviation sector when they either retire or end
their enlistments. Our central location and the close proximity of Naval Bases Kitsap is appealing to this
source of manpower when they retired with benefits.
Ability to Retain and Support a Workforce
Mountains. Forests. Seashore. And a 900‐foot‐deep barrier between us and urban sprawl—it is the
Kitsap Difference. All of these help employers attract and retain a workforce here, who will enjoy
affordable housing, excellent schools and unparalleled recreational opportunities in our own backyard.
Natural Beauty and Climate. The Kitsap Peninsula lies between the snow‐capped Cascade and
Olympic mountain ranges and is surrounded by waters of Puget Sound and the Hood Canal. With more
than 200 miles of scenic shoreline, Kitsap County claims the distinction of having more saltwater
shoreline than any other US county. We’re cradled in the heart of Puget Sound, surrounded by 300 miles
of shoreline and embraced by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The Olympic Mountain range
buffers us from stronger weather coming off the Pacific Ocean. The weather here is generally mild yearround
with neither extreme high nor low temperatures. We enjoy beautiful sunny skies and warm
temperatures in spring, summer and early fall, leading into drizzly days and gray skies in late fall and
winter.
Variety of Lifestyles. Its selection of communities and neighborhoods offer small‐town ambiance with
multiple affordable housing choices. Discover 34 diverse communities within Kitsap Peninsula’s
population of 240,000. There’s a distinct character to each locale, and many area feature historical
Native American, Scandinavian, or military influence. Affordable housing – median home prices are
approximately two‐thirds of that found in other urban communities. Its stunning natural beauty is due
to adjacent mountain ranges, the Olympic National Park and a gently rolling topography fringed by
hundreds of miles of shorelines Easy commutes – uncongested traffic corridors
Recreation Amenities. With nearly 5,700 acres of public park lands, numerous athletic facilities, and
many outdoor activities and programming in each community, there is a wealth of local recreation. In
addition, there are abundant indoor activities close to home and nearby in urban centers. Its half‐hour
access by multiple ferries to downtown Seattle provides the culture, sports and bustle of a major
metropolitan center without the stress of urban living. Kitsap ferry terminals are located in Bremerton,
Bainbridge Island, Kingston, and Port Orchard
Strong Education PreK
– Lifetime Education System. Education in Kitsap County is a high priority
for families who choose to live in this area. Kitsap is home to four school districts. Olympic College—a
Educational Attainment Kitsap WA USA
High school graduate or higher 91% 87% 82%
Some college or higher 65% 62% 52%
Source: 2000 Census (persons 25 years and over)
Why Build the 737 in Kitsap County?
DRAFT: Kitsap Aerospace Alliance, 11‐15‐11
two‐year community college—partners with several four‐year institutions, including Old Dominion, to
offer baccalaureate degrees locally. Eton Technical Institute and Chapman University also provide
certificate and degree programs. The population of Kitsap County is highly educated, with a large
number of engineers, architects and professionals in many fields. As a result, the five Kitsap County
School Districts have high standards for the quality of education offered to their students, and many
graduates continue to college or specialized technical training after graduation.
Each school district in Kitsap County is relatively small, but large enough to offer a range of education
options that stretch from pre‐school to college. The Navy has also identified Kitsap County school
districts as outstanding choices for students with mental or physical challenges.
School District Program Highlights
Bainbridge Island
School District
Highly challenging educational opportunities for all students. Bainbridge High
School has rigorous college preparatory programs and its graduates go on to
some of the top colleges in the nation. Their outstanding test scores and AP
programs are matched with their high‐caliber arts and music programs
North Kitsap and
Central Kitsap
School Districts
Highly regarded for the high number of advanced placement courses in their high
schools as well as a wide range of student‐focused programs which offer a
diversity of educational styles from traditional classrooms to online learning
Bremerton School
District
Award‐winning early childhood education programs as well as free all‐day
kindergarten. Their special education and Title I programs have won state and
national recognition. After‐school and early‐morning tutoring programs are
available to help students reach both their educational goals and state
standards.
South Kitsap School
District
Home of one of the largest high schools in the state and it is renowned for not
only its wide range of academic and technical education programs but the
strength of its athletic and performing arts programs.
In addition to the K‐12 public schools, there are a number of private school options available. Beyond
high school, there are a couple of advanced education options that keep students in the region. West
Sound Schools Center is a technical education center funded by all of the school districts. Students get
hands‐on training in computer technology, to engineering, and a wide range of other career programs.
Olympic College and five other four‐year colleges all offer classes in Kitsap County. Olympic College is a
part of an educational consortium of colleges that offer engineering, aeronautical education programs
and composites training. Many other Kitsap County graduates attend college in Seattle or Tacoma,
taking advantage of the easy ferry and highway access to both cities.
Strong Regional Healthcare Program. Harrison Medical Center is a not‐for‐profit community medical
center with origins dating back to the flu epidemic of 1918. Today, it is the region’s busiest medical
center, with five campuses—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair and Poulsbo—serving Kitsap,
North Mason, Jefferson, and Clallam counties. Harrison offers a comprehensive range of services from
more than 450 physicians representing 40 specialties, such as: cardiology, including open‐heart surgery;
orthopedics; oncology; women & children and pediatrics; primary care; urgent care; imaging services;
laser, laparoscopic and retinal surgery; sleep services and rehabilitation. The medical system has a Level
III Trauma Center, and treats more than 90,000 patients annually in its emergency & urgent care
Why Build the 737 in Kitsap County?
DRAFT: Kitsap Aerospace Alliance, 11‐15‐11
services. With 297 licensed beds in its hospital, more than 17,000 patients are admitted to Harrison each
year and more than 2,100 babies are born annually at our Women’s & Children’s Center. Nearly 13,000
surgeries are performed each year at Harrison facilities. Harrison is award winning, with the distinction
of being Washington State’s No. 1 cardiac surgery program, and designated as a Blue Distinction Center®
for Knee and Hip Replacement.