PORT TOWNSEND – The privately operated Jefferson County Economic Development Council has approached Port of Port Townsend officials with a proposal to help attract aviation parts and composite aircraft manufacturers to Jefferson County International Airport.
“I definitely think it’s a possibility and it’s a good move for the port,” said Bob Sokol, port commissioners chairman.
“It would provide jobs and be wonderful for the area.”
Sokol said the port-operated airport – mostly funded through Federal Aviation Administration dollars – has about 50 acres on its south side, and acreage in between existing business development on the north side.
Because the airport is funded by the FAA, industrial or commercial development there must be related to aviation.
The port commissioners on Wednesday invited EDC’s director, Ian McFall, to present the proposal during an August meeting after Port Executive Director Larry Crockett briefly discussed the opportunity during the business meeting.
The yearlong contract proposes a $5,000 fee to the port – and as part of that contract, EDC would create a worldwide database of light composite aircraft manufacturers and aircraft component manufacturers.
From the database, EDC would identify a list of companies to solicit via mail, e-mail and phone, with the intent of attracting them to the airport.
Other EDC services provided under the agreement:
As proposed, either party could terminate the agreement.
EDC could earn a signing bonus through snagging a new client.
“It’s a great opportunity, if we can find somebody,” said Ian McFall, EDC director.
“Boeing is booming and relies on a multitude of small parts manufacturers all over the place. Our hope is to catch one of these.”
McFall said that over the past six years, there has been a surge of composite aircraft manufacturers that need a pool of labor.
Already contacted, said McFall is a French manufacturer building light aircraft.
“They have expanded and want to get into the U.S. market,” he said.
“It’s a fishing expedition and if get somebody interested, we can get them out here and start talking to the port.”
