Washington Business 2018 AWB Rural Jobs Outlook | Page 10

Infrastructure is the foundation of a strong, competitive economy, providing access to and for thriving communities. Recently, AWB joined with the state ' s ports, cities and counties to release a comprehensive report that lays out exactly the kinds of investments that Washington ' s infrastructure needs. The report found that Washington needs $ 190 billion of investment, from water storage, safe drinking water and structurally-deficient bridges to clogged highways. With that level of investment, up to 660,000 jobs are created. Washington state has a diverse economy— with significant technology, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, trade, and natural resource sectors benefiting rural, suburban, and urban communities. The state is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies, it imports and exports over $ 70 billion worth of goods through its ports each year, and is home to over 7,000 small businesses. Washington state contributes well over $ 300 billion annually to the U. S. economy, making the state a critical player in the nation’ s economic success.

Rural infrastructure funding, preservation, and maintenance is necessary for rural economic development. Public-use airports are needed to transport goods to and from rural areas and open the world to these rural communities. Housing affordability and availability in rural areas is critical to supporting a quality workforce. Maintained roads provide workers safe transportation to jobs and increase the ability to move goods from rural areas to markets across the globe. Forest and lands management sustaining healthy outdoors provides opportunities for a diversified economy in rural communities. Up-todate and accessible broadband is critical to supporting workforce training and education efforts in our rural counties.

Infrastructure Type and Estimated Total Need

Generally over the next 20 years