Washington Business Summer 2019 | Washington Business | Page 36

business backgrounder | transportation
Washington state is projected
to grow to more than
9 million
people by 2040
“What we’ve done with Snohomish
County is a model that can be replicated
nationwide and can bring tremendous
benefits to local economies without
burdening taxpayers.”
-- Brett Smith, CEO, Propeller Airports
Smith said his company will recoup its investment
through a number of different means, including parking,
concessions, airline handling fees, and offering services to
travelers including dry cleaning and a concierge program.
“We have to be adept at offering things that people really
want,” he said.
people want to travel
The Puget Sound is booming, but Washington’s
infrastructure has not kept up with the demands of
moving more people, goods and services in the region.
While the Legislature has made significant investments in
transportation infrastructure in recent years, many would
argue that it’s not enough. AWB’s 2019 infrastructure report
highlights $222 billion in necessary investments across the
state. Plus, the state is projected to grow to more than 9
million people by 2040.
“This was much needed,” Smith told Washington
Business. “It should have opened a long time ago. If you look
at this from a regional perspective, this is critical.”
Many of the world’s great cities have more than one
airport option to move passengers and cargo. London has
Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, and more. Paris has
Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Tokyo has Narita and Haneda.
“That’s what makes these cities great, is they get
connectivity,” Smith said.
It’s no secret that Seattle’s connectivity is strained
sometimes. Fighting through traffic jams to make a flight
is common. If you live anywhere north of Green Lake or
36 association of washington business