THE VICTORY DANCE continues in Washington state and beyond after the announcement Boeing was awarded the contract for the U.S. Airforce’s NewGen Tanker. Experts estimate the 767-based tanker contract could mean as much as $693 million to the regional economy every year!
Not yet knowing the true economic impact of the contract, many experts and politicians are hopeful the trickle effect will bring the boost our local economy has needed. “At a time when our economy is hurting and good-paying aerospace jobs are critical to our recovery, this decision is great news for the skilled workers of Everett and the thousands of suppliers across the country who will help build this critical tanker for our Air Force,” Washington state Senator Patty Murray said in a statement (http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Boeing+wins+massive+tanker+contract+Everett+Wash+plant/4342815/story.html).
Always interested in the local real estate market and economy, I was curious to see how this contract is going to have an impact on Everett and surrounding areas, specifically rural towns surrounding the Everett based plant. Everett, about 25 miles north of Seattle, has a total population of 103,019 according to the 2010 census. According to Wikipedia, Boeing currently employees over 72,000 people in its Everett based plant. I’m not an expert, but not ALL residents of Everett work at Boeing, which tells me Boeing employees are looking for housing surrounding Everett. In addition, as new jobs are created not only for Boeing but for other businesses that must accommodate to the rise in jobs (i.e. restaurants, grocery stores, banks, coffee stands, etc.), there will be a higher demand for housing.
Camano Island, WA, according to Google Maps, is about 35 miles to The Boeing Company in Everett. We currently have many residents that commute to Boeing from Camano. Many take advantage of the carpool system provided by the WSDOT Rideshare program (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Choices/rideshare.htm). Not everyone wants to live in the city, so Camano Island is a close alternative for a quieter, less crowded lifestyle. Marysville, Smokey Point, Arlington, Lake Stevens are cities to the north of Everett, but none quite compare to living on Camano Island. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, wildlife, peacefulness, and beauty, I’m positive Boeing employees will be making the move here. Economical impact? No one has a crystal ball, but all indications tell me this is going to BE A GOOD THING!
For more information on Camano Island, local real estate and news, visit my website at: www.JamieJohnsonHomes.com There you will find many community links and information about our little paradise we call home!
~Jamie 
